Family is a gift from God, but it comes with challenges. In this series, we explore family life’s messy realities—starting with the family you're born into, the one you marry into, and the one built through friendships. We’ll discuss parenting, growth, and blended families, all while focusing on God's purpose for our families. Whether your family is imperfect, blended, or broken, God has a plan for it. Let’s embrace God’s plan for family and move from dysfunctional to THIS-Functional!

**Foundational Scripture:** Proverbs 24:3 (NCV) "It takes wisdom to have a good family, and it takes understanding to make it strong."

**Six Unchanging Principles for Families**

1. **Our families are built on a foundation of love** 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV) Love is a choice to be patient, kind, and forgiving daily.

2. **Our families should be high touch** Mark 10:13-16 (ESV) Jesus showed the importance of affirmative touch. Physical touch promotes healing (Mark 6:56).

3. **Our families prioritize time together** Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NIV) Time is precious. The average dad spends only 37 seconds of meaningful time with kids daily.

4. **In our families, words should give blessing and encouragement** Proverbs 18:21 (NIV) The tongue has the power of life and death. Positive words are key to building strong relationships.

5. **Godly families leave an inheritance** Proverbs 13:22 (NIV) Inheritance can be financial, honorable, or spiritual. Your legacy matters.

6. **You’ll never be a perfect parent, but you can be a praying parent** James 5:16 (NIV) The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

**Goal:** My family will fulfill God's will and purpose for their lives. Psalm 138:8 (NLT) "The Lord will work out his plans for my life..."

**Closing:** Healthy families are built with wisdom and understanding (Proverbs 24:3). By applying biblical principles, our families can grow in love, grace, and faith through every season of life.