Sermon On Family Unity

Barbara Pierce Bush, the first lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993 as the wife of President George H. W. Bush once remarked: "At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child, or a parent." 1 Timothy 5:8 confirms: “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

One of the many definitions of Family Unity has been stated as: “A primary social group consisting of parents and their offspring, the principle function of which is provision for its members.” We can all probably relate to the Ten Commandments which were given by God to help us live a good life and ultimately enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Exodus 20:12 states: “Honour your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” The importance of parental guidance often determines the prospective path in life for children to follow throughout adolescence and perhaps into adulthood. It is often recognised as the basic foundation stone to moral and righteous living. It can also be the child’s first introduction and experience to the emotional warmth of love, both giving and receiving. Friedrich Nietzsche, the German philosopher once remarked: “In family life, love is the oil that eases friction, the cement that binds closer together, and the music that brings harmony.”

Love often becomes the central core of family unity. It is also one of the primary intentions of God, to show His love to the world. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 confirms: “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

Family unity is generally considered as living in harmony with others, it includes sharing happy experiences together, it entails giving encouragement and providing support where necessary. It means living as a whole. 1 John 4:7 reminds us: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.”

There was once an elderly lady who adored her family. On a particular day, she decided to write a personal letter to God. In it, she asked:

Heavenly Father,

I know that you are very busy, but if it is possible, I would like to ask for a wish to be granted. I love my family dearly, especially my grandchildren. They are absolutely adorable. However, sometimes I feel that they don't understand me. I say things to them to guide them through life, but they often look back at me with blank faces or with frowns on their forehead. They are preoccupied with their own lives and don't want any intrusion from an aged lady. Philippians 4:13 states: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” I think they love me, but they never listen to my advice, even though what I have learnt from life could be beneficial to them. I often feel that my suggestions are rejected.

I advised my grandson the other day that he needed to apply more dedication to his schoolwork if he wanted to succeed in life, instead of always wanting to play with his friends. The way he looked at me in return when I spoke these words to him was astonishing. An expression of horror came over his face and he just turned and walked away from me with disdain. It made no impression on him. I have so much to offer but I don’t feel valuable.

My granddaughter watches too much television. As soon as she arrives, she wants to put the television on and just sit in silence watching it for hours on end. If I suggest playing a game to divert her attention, all she says is: “I am fine grandma. I don’t really feel like playing games at the moment, anyway I am watching one of my favourite programmes.”

They never really feel like engaging in conversation with me, I sometimes feel as if I am being considered as senile. I know that there is a huge age gap between us, but it would be so nice to hear how they are getting on in school or if they have any other problems that they would like to discuss. I try to help them both but often feel spurned. Isaiah 41:10 reassures: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”