Your Family Is No Accident

In my very early years of my walk with Christ, I remember coming across one of the verses in our reading plan:

If anyone fails to provide for his own, and especially for those of his own family, he has denied the faith [by disregarding its precepts] and is worse than an unbeliever [who fulfils his obligation in these matters]. 1 Timothy 5:8 AMP

It was a verse I wrestled with for some time. What did God really mean in this verse? What was Paul addressing in this epistle? Was I reading this right?
"Neglecting those of my family was worse than a non-believer"!  Why would God say this?

You will have to forgive me; I was only young in faith. However, there was a reason behind this wrestling, let me give you a bit of context.

Growing up, my dad was involved in a polygamous marriage. He was hardly at home partly due to his job (which involved a lot of travelling to neighbouring countries) and partly due to the larger family which meant he had to share and balance his time to more than just one household.

In all this, I saw the struggles that my mum went through. Her marriage had unfortunately brought pain upon her. While she may not have said much about her regrets, it was somewhat written all over her face at least to those who knew her well.

As children, it felt like we were bearing the brunt of what seemed like a dysfunctional family and this impacted my childhood. I remember harbouring thoughts of wishing I was in a different family, well, a happier family. I grew a little bitter and felt like I didn’t want to have anything to do with my step-mums and the rest of my step-siblings.

Reading this verse where Paul was addressing issues of neglecting family members, I felt God was speaking to me directly and it was a direct rebuke. Over time I repented over my anger and bitterness and God gave me a new heart and I felt I could love each and every one of my family members.

My situation might be unique and possibly not similar to yours but my main question to you is: What is your relationship like with your family members, immediate or extended?

In this chapter and more specifically this verse (1Timothy 5:8), Paul was addressing an issue of individuals, particularly men, that they ought not to neglect their household. While it may not be possible for one person to care for every relative, it was generally understood even among unbelievers that widowed mothers had to be cared for even by their children. 

God’s command to believers is that we love each other as Christ loved us (John 15:12). The bible also reminds us “If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?” 1 John 4:20 NKJV.

You may have a reason not to want anything to do with some/all of your family members and you have a good justification for that. However, I am imploring you to hear God’s voice today. Is there something you can improve?  

I pray that God whispers something to you so you can see things in a different light. You are called to be a channel of His blessings.

Stay blessed!