Reflecting God's Love: The Family's Sacred Role

Devotional

Day 1: Passing Down Faith Through Generations

God calls families to intentionally teach and model faith to the next generation, ensuring the knowledge and love of God are not lost.
The family is entrusted with the sacred responsibility of passing down the character and works of God, not just through words but through daily living and example. This generational stewardship means sharing both the stories of God’s faithfulness and the practical realities of following Him, so that children and grandchildren can see faith in action and make it their own. Even when life is busy or imperfect, the commitment to share God’s truth and love remains central, shaping the spiritual legacy of the family. [44:35]

Psalm 78:5-6 (ESV)
He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children,

Reflection: Who in your life—child, grandchild, or someone you mentor—needs to see and hear about your faith in God today? How can you intentionally share a story or example of God’s faithfulness with them?

Day 2: Modeling the Love of Heaven in the Family

Families are meant to reflect the sacrificial, self-giving love found within the Trinity.
The home is designed to be a living picture of the love that exists between God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—a love marked by sacrifice, patience, and joy. This means showing kindness, forgiveness, and care even when it’s difficult, and making space for laughter, rest, and togetherness. When families strive to love each other in this way, they become a witness to God’s love in the world, offering a glimpse of heaven to all who enter their doors. [43:24]

John 13:34-35 (ESV)
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

Reflection: What is one practical way you can show sacrificial love to a family member today, even if it costs you time, comfort, or pride?

Day 3: Teaching the Content and Character of Scripture

Families are called to teach both the truths of Scripture and the character of God, even when life is hard to understand.
It is not enough to simply know Bible stories or verses; families must help each other wrestle with the hard questions—like why bad things happen—and point to the goodness and faithfulness of God even in the midst of pain. By sharing both the content of Scripture and personal experiences of God’s love, families help each other see that God is present, caring, and ultimately victorious, even when circumstances are confusing or difficult. [48:14]

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV)
And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

Reflection: What is one truth about God’s character or a Bible verse you can discuss with your family today, especially in light of a current challenge or question?

Day 4: Living Out Authentic Faith, Not Just Religious Routine

Faith must be lived out genuinely, not just taught as a set of rules or routines, so that the next generation sees its reality.
Children and young people are quick to notice when faith is only surface-deep or when there is a gap between what is taught and how it is lived. Authentic faith is shown through humility, repentance, and love, not just church attendance or religious language. When parents and mentors admit mistakes, ask forgiveness, and strive to live out what they believe, they offer a compelling example that draws others to Christ rather than pushing them away. [52:34]

James 1:22 (ESV)
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Reflection: Is there an area where your actions haven’t matched your faith? How can you take a step today to live out what you believe in front of those you influence?

Day 5: Blessing and Releasing the Next Generation

Parents and mentors are called to bless, encourage, and gradually release children to discover God’s purpose for their lives.
Raising children is not about control or perfection, but about preparing them for adulthood—teaching responsibility, speaking words of blessing, and helping them discover the unique calling God has placed on their lives. This means letting go at the right times, trusting God’s work in them, and affirming their worth and potential. The words and attitudes spoken over children and grandchildren have lasting impact, shaping their sense of identity and destiny in Christ. [01:06:49]

Numbers 6:24-26 (ESV)
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Reflection: What is one blessing, encouragement, or affirmation you can speak over a child, grandchild, or young person in your life today to help them see God’s purpose for them?

Sermon Summary

Today’s focus is on the family—not just mothers, but the entire household and its God-given purpose. In a world where the meaning and strength of family seem to be eroding, it’s crucial to remember that God designed the family to reflect the love that exists within the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This love is sacrificial, enduring, and meant to be modeled in our homes. The family is also entrusted with the sacred task of passing down the knowledge and character of God from one generation to the next. This is not just about teaching Bible stories or dragging kids to church, but about living out faith authentically, so that children see the reality of God’s love and truth in everyday life.

Psalm 78 provides a blueprint for this generational faithfulness. It calls for a passionate commitment to teach our children about God’s character, the content of Scripture, and the reality of His goodness—even when life is hard and the world seems unjust. The process is generational: what we model and teach today shapes not only our children, but their children as well. Yet, there is a sobering warning: faith can diminish with each generation if it is not lived out genuinely. Children are not just looking for words; they are looking for evidence of Christ’s compassion, integrity, and hope in the lives of those who claim His name.

Raising children is about more than managing behavior or protecting them from the world. It’s about preparing them for adulthood, teaching them respect, responsibility, and the hope that is found in God alone. Parents are called to model repentance and forgiveness, to release their children incrementally into responsibility, and to help them discover the unique calling God has placed on their lives. The goal is not perfection, but faithfulness—showing our children what it means to walk with God, even when we stumble. Ultimately, the hope is that each generation will set its hope anew on God, remember His faithfulness, and choose to obey Him, carrying the legacy of faith forward.

Key Takeaways

1. The family’s highest calling is to mirror the love of God found in the Trinity. This means practicing sacrificial, patient, and enduring love, not just in words but in daily actions and attitudes. When children experience this kind of love at home, they catch a glimpse of heaven’s reality on earth. [43:24]
2. Passing on faith is not about rote teaching or church attendance, but about living out the character of God in front of our children. When we are honest about our struggles, show compassion, and demonstrate integrity, we give our children a living example of what it means to follow Christ. The authenticity of our faith is often more impactful than the quantity of our religious instruction. [46:43]
3. Generational faithfulness requires intentionality and vision. It’s easy to become so focused on the present that we forget we are shaping future adults, spouses, and leaders. By keeping the long view in mind, we prepare our children not just for childhood, but for the challenges and responsibilities of life, equipping them to carry faith into the next generation. [57:11]
4. Modeling repentance and forgiveness is essential for spiritual growth in the family. Admitting our failures and seeking forgiveness from our children teaches them humility and grace. Legalism and perfectionism can drive children away, but honest, grace-filled parenting draws them closer to both us and God. [62:01]
5. Our words and actions have the power to shape our children’s sense of identity and calling. Speaking blessing, encouragement, and truth over them helps them discover the unique signature God has written on their souls. What we say and how we treat our children and grandchildren can either affirm God’s purpose in their lives or wound them deeply—choose to speak life. [67:23]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[41:24] - Farewell to the Powells
[42:00] - Not a Typical Mother’s Day
[42:34] - The Crisis of Family
[43:10] - God’s Purposes for Family
[44:35] - Passing Down the Image of God
[45:01] - The Passionate Priority of Teaching
[46:43] - Wrestling with God’s Goodness
[48:14] - Teaching the Content of Scripture
[49:25] - Faith and Practical Life Lessons
[50:19] - The Generational Process
[52:34] - The Challenge of Authentic Faith
[53:19] - Teaching by All Means Necessary
[57:11] - Keeping the Future in Mind
[60:35] - The Finished Product: Hope in God
[61:36] - Seven Investments in Our Children
[67:23] - The Power of Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Psalm 78:1-8 — (This was the main text for the sermon. See [43:10], [45:01], [50:19], [01:00:35])

Observation Questions

According to Psalm 78, what are the specific things God commands parents and grandparents to pass down to the next generation? ([45:01])
In the sermon, what are the two main purposes God has for the family? ([43:10])
What does the sermon say about how faith can diminish from one generation to the next? ([50:44])
What are some practical ways the pastor described teaching children about God’s character and the content of Scripture? ([48:14])

Interpretation Questions

Why does the psalmist in Psalm 78 emphasize teaching children not just facts about God, but also His character and faithfulness? How might this shape a child’s view of God? ([45:39])
The pastor mentioned that children are not just looking for words, but for evidence of Christ’s compassion, integrity, and hope in the lives of adults. Why is authentic faith more impactful than just religious instruction? ([52:34])
The sermon warns that legalism and perfectionism can drive children away from faith. What does it look like to model repentance and forgiveness in a family, and why is this important? ([01:02:01])
The pastor said, “Make your children a priority, not an idol.” What does this mean, and how can parents keep the right balance? ([01:06:01])

Application Questions

The sermon says the family’s highest calling is to mirror the love of God found in the Trinity. What is one specific way you could show sacrificial or patient love in your home this week? ([43:24])
Think about your daily routines. How can you more intentionally “live out” your faith in front of your children or others in your household, rather than just talking about it? ([46:43])
The pastor shared that sometimes faith is not passed down because children don’t see it lived out authentically. Are there areas where your actions might not match your words? What is one step you could take to be more consistent? ([52:34])
When was the last time you apologized to your child, spouse, or another family member? How did it affect your relationship? If you struggle to admit when you’re wrong, what holds you back? ([01:02:01])
The sermon talked about gradually giving children more responsibility as they grow. Is there a way you could help a child or young person in your life take on a new responsibility this month? ([01:04:21])
The pastor emphasized the power of blessing and speaking encouragement over children and grandchildren. What is one specific blessing or word of encouragement you could speak over someone in your family this week? ([01:07:23])
The sermon said the goal is not perfection, but faithfulness. How do you handle your own failures in front of your family? Is there a way you could model hope and trust in God even when you stumble? ([01:00:35])

Sermon Clips

Family is to model the love that exists between God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. That we are to be love. And I'm just going to tell you, uh, parents that have small kids today, don't worry about them getting loud. I had four, okay? Got two grandchildren. They don't bug me. I'm in grandpar grandparent mode now, so everything I do looks cute and like, "Oh, it's so wonderful. It's great. Oh, have another doughnut." You know, whatever. [00:43:19]

But the family is to model the love that exists in heaven. It is to model the love that that we see that God the son has for the father that that we are to model that kind of sacrificial love towards each other. U you know I as a parent I say this as a parent I know that when my ch all my children come up today celebrate their mom and I it's the best day right now for me. [00:43:48]

Second, we are then God expects us a family to steward the image of God from one generation to the next. Who is God? That is the question that every generation looks for. And how will they know unless we pass it down from one generation to the next? And we'll talk about that today. [00:44:30]

The first one is this. It's a passionate priority. There's a passionate priority in Psalm 78. Look what it says in Psalm 78:5. For he, speaking of God, issued his laws to Jacob. Jacob was the Old Testament Old Testament forerunner and he gave his instructions to Israel. He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children. [00:44:59]

So what what this what the psalmist is saying is that God handed down to one of our forebears, Jacob and he handed them down to the nation of Israel and he handed them down to all to us before. And the way we are to do it is we are to teach what what we have been taught to our children. [00:45:21]

You ever see injustice that happens in the world? You ever see the problems that happens? You ever see cancer strike victims? You ever see bad things happen, shootings take place, whatever. And you wonder to yourself, God, where are you? And why don't you do something about that? If you have it, I have I struggle with that. [00:46:00]

And the only way I resolve that is the fact is that we mankind just choose finds a way to destroy itself all the time. We are our own worst enemies. We are our own own self. We self-destruct our life over anything else. And so if we don't understand the character of God, then we begin to look at the our surroundings and the things that go on and say God's not very loving because look what how how many bad things are taking place. [00:46:24]

As a family, I as a as a parent, I am to pass down to my children and they are to pass on to their children what are the good characteristics of God. That God is loving in spite of the things that we see that God does care in spite of the injustices that we see. That God is there and he is taking place and he event ultimately will win. [00:47:53]

What does the Bible say about family? It says that family was ordained by God. That family is a good thing. That that the reason sometimes family is a screwy thing is because of us. The reason sometimes we have that bad relationship with our mother or we have that bad relationship with our father or we don't have an exonic existent father. It's not because of God. It's all because of us. [00:48:59]

So the next generation might know. You do those things so that the next generation might know them. even the children not yet born and they in turn will teach their own children. And so what we see in in Psalm 78 here is that God is a generational God and as God is a generational God, it is from one generation to the next. [00:50:25]

And one of the problems they have is not that they don't believe the words of Jesus. It's the fact that they've believed the words of Jesus so much, but they don't see it in evidence in the church. That's hard to overcome. That's hard to overcome that objection because they're not they're not wrong. [00:52:30]

So it isn't about teaching them just by bringing them to church. It's how you live your life, how you treat, right? Isn't the golden rule treat do unto others as you wish they'd do unto you. And so that's a way we teach our kids. Hey, do unto others you wish them to do to you. Hey, here's who God is. God loves you. [00:54:41]

You are tr you are training up future husbands and wives employees. See, in my household, respect has always has always been a big deal for me. It it it is just the nth degree. My kids, if they ever got whipped, it typically was because they disrespected something. And if they ever disrespected their mother, I came unglued. [00:58:24]

We always have to keep the future in mind when our kids are small. Because if not, we're stuck in this moment. And I I I hear all the parents and like, "Oh, I just don't want them to grow up." They are going to faster than you think. And they will be exposed to things no matter how hard you try to shelter them as long as you can. [00:59:30]

So that each generation, here's why you do those things. So that each generation to set its hope a new on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands. And notice the three things it tells us. So that they would set their hope in God. Listen to me. You don't need hope in God when it's all going good for you. [01:00:35]

Whatever it is, I don't care if you're limping with God, crawling with God, but you but you let them know, hey, yeah, I was praying. Hey, I was praying for you or whatever. Whatever your walk with God is, let your children know what your walk with God is. So, give them that picture. [01:01:45]

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What are the two primary purposes of family?

How can parents effectively pass down faith to children?

What role does hope play during life's hardships?