Christians who truly honor their family never take these 7 things for granted

Have you ever taken a moment to pause and realize that the relationships we sometimes treat as “normal” are actually extraordinary blessings from God?

I remember a chaotic Saturday morning when my daughter, Lydia, was bickering with my son, Caleb, over who got the last pancake.

I was annoyed, but as I stood there—spatula in hand—it suddenly dawned on me how precious it was to be with them, even in the middle of an argument about breakfast food.

It’s easy to get lost in daily routines and overlook how sacred our family bonds truly are. Looking back, I see that Christians who make it a priority to honor their families keep a close eye on the things that really matter.

Here are seven things they never take for granted.

1. Treasuring each other’s presence

In our digital age, it’s so tempting to retreat into our phones, streaming services, or work demands. Yet truly honoring our loved ones starts with recognizing that each day together is a gift.

When I went through a health scare a few years ago, I realized that tomorrow isn’t promised. Every conversation, every shared meal, every belly laugh is precious.

Psalm 90:12 comes to mind: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” I find that wisdom doesn’t always come from textbooks, but from cherishing people right where they are—here and now.

Christians who seek to honor family understand that presence isn’t just being physically there. Being present means listening actively, sharing stories, and walking alongside each other in both triumph and tears.

Sometimes that means setting down the phone or clearing the schedule for a few hours of uninterrupted time. If we’re not intentional, we can miss the sacred moments that shape our family’s legacy of love.

2. Expressing gratitude for small acts of service

I once saw my teenage son quietly unload the dishwasher without being asked, and it was such a simple thing.

But in a busy household, little acts of service can feel like small miracles. If we’re not careful, we can get used to these kindnesses—and suddenly, they lose their impact.

Colossians 3:23-24 encourages us to do everything with our whole heart as if doing it for the Lord. That perspective shift can spark da eeper appreciation for each family member’s efforts.

There was a time when I was too focused on my own tasks — writing, ministry commitments, coordinating schedules — to notice everything Daniel, my husband, was doing to keep our family running smoothly.

After reflecting on this sacred moment, I learned to say “thank you” more often, and not just for the big gestures.

The gratefulness we show one another in small tasks reflects God’s love in ways we might not see immediately, but the ripple effect is real and profound.

3. Creating a safe space for vulnerability

Honoring your family also involves creating an environment where it’s okay to share struggles, fears, and failures without judgment.

Think about it.

Jesus Himself modeled compassion for the hurting and acceptance of the flawed. If He can welcome people exactly as they are, then surely our homes should reflect that same grace.

I touched on this idea in a recent post about how God’s love meets us in our everyday hardships.

When my daughter, Lydia, confessed her anxiety over an upcoming exam, what she needed wasn’t a lecture on study habits but a listening ear and prayerful support.

Ephesians 4:2 reminds us to “be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

Vulnerability flourishes where patience and kindness dwell.

Reflection question: Is there someone in your home who might be longing for a safe space to open up? Consider how you might foster a deeper sense of acceptance and trust today.

4. Sharing and modeling faith

“Honor your father and mother” from Exodus 20:12 is often quoted as a command for children, but I believe it speaks to an entire family culture that lifts each other up in faith.

When I see families who truly honor one another, I notice they make time for devotions, pray together, and talk openly about spiritual matters.

They don’t assume faith will develop by osmosis; they nurture it through conversations, Bible study, and serving others side by side.

Over the years, I’ve led Bible studies where parents brought their children — sometimes even letting them stay for the discussions.

It was messy but wonderful.

The kids would hear us read Scripture and wrestle with its meaning. That’s how a lifelong connection to God grows: not through perfection, but through living, breathing examples of faith in motion.

Here’s a short list of faith-building family practices you might consider:

• Pray before bedtime as a group, each person naming one “thank you” and one “please help”
• Read a short Bible passage at breakfast or dinner
• Discuss questions that arise naturally throughout the week (like a movie’s moral lesson or a friend’s prayer request)

5. Respecting one another’s individuality

God created each of us uniquely, weaving us together with specific gifts and personalities.

Psalm 139:14 reminds us that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.”

Yet sometimes we unintentionally pressure our family members to fit our own mold — maybe you wish your child loved sports as much as you do, or you wonder why your spouse doesn’t approach situations like you would.

Part of truly honoring family is respecting different

talents, emotional expressions, and learning styles.

My friend, psychologist Tara Whitmore, often talks about how families can thrive when each individual feels seen and heard.

• When your teenager’s new hobby baffled you, did you take time to learn more, or did you shrug it off?
• When your spouse took a different approach to discipline, did you shut it down, or did you talk it through?

Embracing individuality honors God’s creativity and fosters harmony under one roof.

Practical step: This week, offer a genuine compliment about a unique quality you admire in each family member — something that sets them apart. Watch how recognition breathes new life into your home.

6. Valuing open, consistent communication

For a while, our family dinners were rushed events—everyone would scarf down food and rush off to the next thing.

It wasn’t until a close friend reminded me how important it is to slow down and intentionally listen that I realized we were missing out on genuine connection.

James 1:19 says, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” That’s easier said than done in a household of busy schedules and strong personalities, but it’s worth aiming for.

Some families turn to weekly check-ins or “family meetings” to address concerns and encourage open dialogue. Others rely on spontaneous chats while washing dishes.

The format isn’t what matters — it’s the heart behind it.

When we keep those lines of communication clear and loving, we cultivate an atmosphere where each person feels valued. Ignoring communication or letting conflicts simmer rarely ends well.

7. Investing time and prayer into the future

We live in a culture that obsesses over quick results.

Yet family is a long-term commitment that often requires waiting, patience, and a willingness to see beyond the present moment.

Parents pray for their children’s future spouses, career decisions, and most importantly, their faith journey. Siblings share dreams and plan how to support each other down the road.

Spouses make conscious efforts to keep God at the center of their relationship, recognizing that storms will come, but faith keeps the ship afloat.

Joshua 24:15 famously declares, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

That’s a statement not just about the current moment, but about a lifetime of service and devotion.

When you invest in your family’s future, you’re planting seeds that can grow for generations.

As the years pass, you’ll look back and see how God has woven those prayers and intentions into a beautiful tapestry of faith—a powerful heritage for your children and their children to come.

Closing thoughts

Honoring our families begins with a mindset shift: we’re not just fulfilling obligations — we’re nurturing eternal bonds with people God has specifically placed in our lives.

It’s my prayer that as you revisit these seven points, you’ll recognize areas where you can be more intentional—whether that’s slowing down to savor a conversation, expressing heartfelt gratitude, or offering grace to someone who’s struggling.

Here’s a short list to help you move forward:

• Reflect on how you show up in daily interactions—do you prioritize presence or get lost in distractions?
• Acknowledge the little ways your family cares for one another, and speak your gratitude out loud.
• Stay open to each person’s individuality, trusting that God knit them together for a unique purpose.
• Keep communication lines clear and kind, especially in conflict.
• Pray consistently for your family’s future, clinging to the promise that God is faithful through every season.

One sentence to carry with you:

In a family rooted in Christ, every moment of connection, service, and love becomes a sacred reflection of God’s heart.