Read: Genesis 2:18, 21–25

18 The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him….” 21 So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. 22 Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. 23 The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” 24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. 25 Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.

The Family God

God designed us to live in families. We were made to share in the fellowship of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God in three persons. The first human relationship God established was the marriage of man and woman — before government or religion. The family is thus foundational to God’s plans for human flourishing. Strong marriages are the basis for healthy families. Of course, not everyone is called to be married, but everyone is part of a family. In fact, the Bible describes the Church as the family of God, and even calls it the bride of Christ.

Sadly, some families are dissolved through death, divorce or estrangement. God calls us to show special care to widows and orphans. Where natural families have failed, churches can play a vital role in providing the love and support that we all need. Public policies can also play a role in strengthening families, offering a safety net to protect those would otherwise be left destitute. Ask God what you can do to bless your family, and what your family can do to bless other families in your community and beyond.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for my family, and thank you for making me a part of your family. Help me to love and serve my family faithfully and with joy. Where marriages are discordant, bring reconciliation. Where parents are struggling, bring hope. Protect children who are neglected or abused. Show me how I can help those you bring into my life. Amen.

This article is part of “Following the God Who Transforms,” a 10-day devotional designed to refresh and encourage believers in who God is and his heart for our nation and world. Go to the next day’s reading.

Galen Carey

Galen Carey, NAE vice president of government relations, is responsible for representing the NAE before Congress, the White House and the courts. He works to advance the approach and principles of the NAE document, “For the Health of the Nation.” He is also co-author with Leith Anderson of “Faith in the Voting Booth.” Before joining the NAE staff, Carey was a longtime employee of World Relief, the relief and development arm of the NAE, serving in Croatia, Mozambique, Kenya, Indonesia and Burundi. He received an M.Div. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and a Doctor of Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary.