In what ways can families encourage each other to follow God's commandments? Return Wholeheartedly to the LORD (Deuteronomy 30:2) “...when you and your children return to the LORD your God and obey His voice with all your heart and with all your soul according to all that I am commanding you today.” • Obedience begins with turning back—together—as an act of family loyalty to God. • Whole-hearted devotion sets the climate for every other encouragement we give. Make God’s Word the Centerpiece • Read aloud at meals or bedtime (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). • Memorize verses as a group; post them on walls or mirrors. • Keep Bibles open during decisions—model, “What does Scripture say?” (Psalm 119:105). Practice Obedience in Everyday Life • Connect commands to routines: forgiveness at the dinner table, honesty during homework. • Use car rides to discuss how today’s events line up with God’s standards. • Let chores become service to the Lord (Colossians 3:23). Model Grace-Filled Discipline • Parents correct, but “bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). • Explain the “why” behind rules—link consequences to Scripture, not anger. • Show repentance when you fail; children learn confession by watching yours. Encourage Through Words and Worship • Speak life: “Outdo yourselves in honoring one another” (Romans 12:10). • Sing together—psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Colossians 3:16). • Write notes or text verses that match current struggles. Serve Side by Side • Volunteer as a family: food banks, church projects, neighbor needs (Galatians 6:10). • Small children can carry napkins; teens can lead prayer—everyone has a role. • Service cements commands into muscle memory. Celebrate Milestones of Faith • Mark baptisms, first completed Bible readings, answered prayers with a special meal or outing. • Keep a “faith journal” of family testimonies (Joshua 24:27). • Revisit God’s past faithfulness to fuel future obedience. Persevere and Lift Each Other Up • “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). • When someone slips, surround them with accountability, not shame (Galatians 6:1-2). • Remind each other: “Let us not grow weary in doing good” (Galatians 6:9). Pass the Torch to the Next Generation • Grandparents, parents, children—share stories of God’s work (2 Timothy 1:5). • Keep teaching “from infancy...the Holy Scriptures” (2 Timothy 3:14-15). • Affirm each child’s unique calling while anchoring them to unchanging truth. Families that cultivate these habits create a living classroom where God’s commandments move from written page to practiced love. |
    |