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7 Important Ways Faith Can Strengthen Blended Families

7 Important Ways Faith Can Strengthen Blended Families

Today, as society has become more accepting of blended families, thankfully, so has the church. Here are seven ways faith can strengthen blended families.

  • Family praying at dinner

    1. Shared Beliefs and Values

    Faith provides blended families with shared values and beliefs, creating a unified foundation for the family to build upon. When family members share a common faith, they often align on fundamental principles such as love, respect, and integrity, essential for harmonious living.

    For instance, a blended family might face challenges in setting household rules or expectations for behavior. When they draw on their faith, they can create guidelines that reflect their shared beliefs, making it easier for everyone to agree and adhere to these rules. Unity in faith helps the family function smoothly and supports every person’s emotional well-being.

    “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” Here, Amos 3:3 teaches the necessity of agreement and shared direction for a harmonious journey. In a blended family, walking together in agreement on core values helps them navigate life’s challenges with a collective approach.

    Faith also gives the family a moral compass, helping the children understand right from wrong based on these beliefs. In a world where children are exposed to various influences, kids need faith’s guidance and security. Parents can confidently teach their children principles rooted in their faith, ensuring consistency and clarity in their upbringing.

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  • sillhouette of a family, ways faith can strengthen blended families

    2. Sense of Purpose and Meaning

    People need both intimacy and purpose connected to God’s economy. From faith, a blended family now has a shared mission and meaning, uniting them in a common pursuit. When a family seeks God’s Kingdom together, they find a higher purpose transcending individual differences and challenges. This shared goal fosters unity and collaboration as each family member becomes part of a greater mission.

    In Matthew 6:33, Jesus instructs, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Christ reveals how, by prioritizing the heavenly kingdom, God provides for earthly matters people normally worry about. For a blended family, seeking the Kingdom first means focusing on living according to God’s will and principles. This shared pursuit can bring clarity and direction, helping the family navigate life's complexities with a unified vision.

    A blended family united in faith can approach daily life with deeper meaning. Rather than being driven by individual desires or competing interests, they work together toward a common spiritual goal. For example, the family can participate in community service, attend worship, or engage in family prayer and Bible study sessions. These activities reinforce their collective purpose and strengthen familial bonds at the same time.

    God gives his higher purpose for church and families to promote harmony, and a shared purpose helps families resolve conflicts. When disagreements arise, focusing on their common spiritual goals can bring new perspectives and encourage forgiveness and reconciliation.

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  • Church congregation; ways faith strengthens blended families

    3. Church Involvement

    Through faith, the blended family has access to God’s larger family, and active church involvement gives people mentors and shared experiences, fostering unity and growth. Regular participation in the faith community offers support and creates opportunities for blended families to bond and build relationships with others who share their beliefs.

    In Hebrews 10:24-25, the Bible encourages believers to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” God didn’t design for believers to walk their faith journey alone but with a larger community. In fact, believers need one another (1 Corinthians 12). Therefore, gathering and supporting one another becomes crucial for blended families looking to thrive.

    Church involvement also exposes blended families to mentors who can provide guidance and wisdom. These mentors, sometimes experienced in their own family journeys, can share valuable advice on navigating the unique challenges of blending families. They serve as role models, demonstrating how faith can guide and strengthen familial relationships.

    Shared experiences in church activities, such as worship services, Bible studies, and community service projects, create opportunities for family members to connect on a deeper level. Participating together brings a sense of belonging. These shared experiences also provide a platform for discussing faith, values, and personal growth, which can help blended families align their goals and expectations.

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  • people praying for each other to signify reconciliation, ways faith strengthens blended families

    4. Forgiveness and Reconciliation

    With faith in God, believers have God’s example of great forgiveness, all to reconcile us with the heavenly Father. Forgiveness and reconciliation can strengthen and guide a blended family to build trust and find healing. Past hurts and conflicts can create barriers in a blended family, but practicing forgiveness can break down these walls and foster unity.

    Ephesians 4:32 emphasizes forgiveness, stating, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” No one deserves forgiveness, but all need it from God and people. When people make mistakes and wound each other, family members can emulate God’s forgiveness. Family members can release past grievances and move forward with a clean slate.

    Forgiveness in a blended family involves acknowledging the hurt, seeking understanding, and letting go of resentment. Through forgiveness, families open the door to reconciliation, a powerful and transformative process that allows relationships to heal and grow stronger. Reconciliation involves more than forgiving; it requires rebuilding trust and developing a renewed commitment to the family’s well-being.

    Disciplines such as prayer and reflection can support the forgiveness journey and reconciliation, engaging with the Father who loves them and seeks their best. These practices provide a space for family members to seek divine guidance and strength, making it easier to forgive and reconcile.

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  • husband and wife hugging each other, ways faith can strengthen blended families

    5. Support During Challenges

    With all the challenges facing blended families, most require outside help at some point. The larger faith community can provide crucial support during these times. Blending families often involves navigating complex dynamics, such as establishing new relationships, handling differing parenting styles, and integrating diverse family traditions. Faith offers comfort and guidance that can help family members through these difficulties.

    As we’ve already discussed, Christians need the church community. Paul tells believers in Galatians 6:2, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” The mutual support and compassion within the Christian community encourage believers to help one another through difficult times and thus live out Christ’s teachings.

    Many churches provide counseling services tailored to the unique dynamics of blended families. They offer guidance on navigating relationships and building strong family bonds, all grounded in faith principles. Engaging in small groups or Bible study classes allows families to connect with others facing similar situations, fostering understanding and a shared experience.

    Local faith communities can host family-oriented events and activities, such as retreats and workshops, which focus on strengthening family ties and addressing common challenges. By actively participating in these community resources, blended families can find the strength, wisdom, and encouragement to navigate difficult times rooted in a shared faith and mutual support.

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  • Hands holding hands

    6. Focus on Love and Compassion

    In a blended family, members often come from different backgrounds and experiences, and many are hurtful, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts. Emphasizing God’s love and compassion can bridge these gaps, creating a nurturing and harmonious environment.

    1 Corinthians 13:4-7 beautifully encapsulates love, stating, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others; it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” Paul tackles love’s power while addressing a divided, wayward Corinthian church. Without God’s agape love, nothing matters. The Scripture encourages families to practice patience, kindness, and selflessness.

    Blended families prioritize understanding and empathy when they focus on love and compassion. Parents model this behavior by listening actively to their children’s concerns and responding kindly. Siblings can learn to support one another, celebrate each other's successes, and offer comfort during difficult times. Focusing on Christ’s love creates belonging and security, helping family members feel valued and respected.

    Faith provides the foundation and inspiration for grace and understanding, guiding families to build strong, loving relationships that can endure and thrive.

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  • hand releasing butterfly renewal healing

    7. Knowledge that God Make All Things New

    A blended family seeks to establish something new—a new family with new traditions, memories, and relationships. God makes all things new. Who better to help blended families with these challenges? God’s perspective provides hope and encouragement, helping families see their blending process as a divinely guided transformation. Trusting God’s expertise to create new beginnings can instill confidence and peace within the family unit. 

    Revelation 21:5 declares, “He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’” God’s redemption renews and transforms, which is particularly relevant for blended families striving to create a harmonious and united home. Blended families can approach their challenges with purpose and optimism by trusting in God’s ability to make things new.

    God, as the ultimate architect of creation, is adept at helping families blend and grow together. He has the wisdom and guidance to navigate the complexities of merging different family cultures and histories. Through prayer and reflection, family members can seek God’s direction, find solutions to conflicts, and find ways to foster deeper connections.

    Interestingly, the church serves as a model of a blended family. God brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds, uniting them under a shared faith and purpose. The church’s example can inspire blended families to see themselves as a microcosm of the larger faith community.

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    Britt MooneyBritt Mooney lives and tells great stories. As an author of fiction and non-fiction, he is passionate about teaching ministries and nonprofits the power of storytelling to inspire and spread truth. Mooney has a podcast called Kingdom Over Coffee and is a published author of We Were Reborn for This: The Jesus Model for Living Heaven on Earth as well as Say Yes: How God-Sized Dreams Take Flight.