“Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!” —Nehemiah 4:14 (NLT)

1. Great families are playful.

…generously gives us everything for our enjoyment. —1 Timothy 6:17 (GNT)

People ought to enjoy every day of their lives, no matter how long they live. —Ecclesiastes 11:8 – (NCV)

Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love… —Ecclesiastes 9:9 (NIV)

Children are a gift from the Lord… —Psalm 127:3 (NLT)

2. Great families encourage growth.

Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people. —Luke 2:52 (NLT)

a. Mental

b. Physical

c. Social

d. Spiritual

3. Great families protect each other.

Two people are better than one… If one falls down, the other can help him up. But it is bad for the person who is alone and falls, because no one is there to help. —Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NCV)

a. Storms of change

b. Storms of harmful ideas

c. Storms of rejection

4. Great families serve God and others.

You know about Stephanas and his family; they are the first Christian converts in Achaia and have given themselves to the service of God’s people. I beg you, my friends, to follow the leadership of such people as these… —1 Corinthians 16:15-16 (GNT)

Discussion Questions

1. Of the four characteristics of great families, which ones did you see, and which ones did you not see? How has that affected you today?

2. Family development is a lifelong process in which everyone encourages each other to grow. What are some ways your children have encouraged you to grow mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually?

3. Tell us about a time you and your family played and you’ll never forget it.

4. What are some practical things to do for someone in your family who’s encountering a storm?