As we continue in our week on loving people well, today we're going to learn about loving family.

For some, this is an easy task, but for many, this is a little bit more difficult.

The beauty of it is, our God is with us every step along the way. He has purpose and

power for you and loving the family in which he's placed you. Our families have the potential

to be our greatest place of influence. How might he use you today to minister for His goodness and glory?

Let's take a closer look.

Welcome to the First 15 podcast.

One of the most direct examples of the kingdom of God on the earth is the family unit.

God longs to use the love between family members to tell the world of his love as the creator and father of all. As believers,

we must choose to continually love, forgive, help, and pursue strong relationships with those God has given us as our family.

You are not a member of your family by mistake.

Psalm 139.13 says, for you formed me in my inward parts. You needed me together in my mother's womb.

God formed you perfectly for your family. He has plans for you

and your family before the formation of the heavens and the earth. And he has placed your family

on the earth intentionally and purposely. He has incredible plans for a family that will pursue

love for each other and walk in his eternal purposes.

Your Heavenly Father knows the follies of your family.

He knows their weaknesses, trials, and temptations.

But he also longs to empower you with grace to love them.

He longs to use you to restore your family to him so that you might experience

the wonders of God-filled family relationships. Scripture is filled with commandments about the family

unit. Exodus 2012 says, honor your father and mother, that your days may be long in the land

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