Mar 1
1 Corinthians 7:14
Memorise Acts 16:31
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thy house”

God in His graciousness desires to bless not only those who have believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. His blessings also extend to the members of a believer’s family, whether they are saved or not. Therefore, God pays special attention to the members of a believer’s family and, through the believing person as Christ’s witness, desires that the other unbelieving members come to know the Lord.

Oftentimes, a couple may have been unbelievers when they married. However, one spouse may come to know the Lord sometime later on. This can even happen after they have started a family and have children. This is why believers who have unbelieving spouses, siblings, children or parents are commanded to love them regardless of their spiritual condition. Having an unsaved spouse does not allow the believing spouse to disrespect the other spouse, or to dishonour their marriage in any way. Likewise, a believer who has unbelieving siblings, children or parents must show forth the love of Christ in their lives to them and pray for their salvation. God wants believers to be a blessing to their families, whether they are saved or unsaved. This is what 1 Corinthians 7:14 means when it describes the unbelieving spouse as being ‘sanctified’ by the other, or when it refers to the child being holy. It does not mean that they are saved just because of the family relationship, but that they are blessed through the sanctifying presence of the believer in the family.

Dear Teen, persecution for our faith can come in different guises and from different people. Sadly, sometimes these people are members of our own family, even parents. It is often heart-wrenching to stand for your faith in spite of opposition or in some cases, even threats of being disowned. In some cultures, renouncing one’s religion in faithfulness to Jesus can even result in punishment and death at the hands of family members. If you are such a one, do ask for help from your church family and always remember that through it all, God is always with you to strengthen and comfort you. Persevere in your faith, pray for their salvation and maintain your testimony, for if you do so, you can and will be a blessing to your family!

Thought: If God sees it fit to save my family through my witnessing to them, then even death can never separate us for all eternity.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for You have defeated death, the last enemy, for us through Christ Jesus.