Nurturing Family Values

Have you ever asked yourself, How can I nurture family values in my home? How can I promote concern for one another among my children and teach them to love one another? Before we look at some of God’s answers to these vital questions, note how one devoted sister models such family values for us.

Her name is Miriam. And Miriam was a 12-year-old girl who undoubtedly adored her new baby brother, Moses. For three months she helped her mother, Jochebed, hide little Moses and care for him as their family defied the pharaoh’s edict to kill every newborn Hebrew boy (Exodus 1:22). Then her mother placed the infant into a floating basket that she set among the reeds of the Nile River. Miriam “stood at a distance to see what would happen to him.” Then, when the opportunity arose—when the pharaoh’s daughter discovered the baby—Miriam approached her and offered to find a nurse for the infant, thereby arranging for her baby brother to be cared for at home again (Exodus 2:2-9).

Now, where do you think young Miriam developed such family loyalty? Probably from her wonderful mom. And, as a devoted mother, grandmother, or aunt, you can help instill such values in your family. Daily make the effort to:

• Teach siblings to love one another (John 15:12, 17). Encourage brothers and sisters to pray for each other and to do secret acts of kindness for one another.

• Openly express kindness and concern for others (Proverbs 12:25). Children repeat what they hear and mimic what they see. So be a living model of Jesus Christ, acting with His kindness and compassion.

• Express love openly. Be affectionate and verbal. Say “I love you” every time you say goodbye or goodnight or talk on the phone to your children.

• Cultivate strong family ties. See that each family member supports and encourages the others.

• Pray for God’s love to be lived out by your children (Galatians 5:22).

And don’t forget–the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous parent avails much (James 5:16)!

Read Nurturing Family Values on Elizabeth & Jim George.