Discover 5 Amazing Roles and Purposes of The Family in God’s Eyes

Introduction

Our God’s original blueprint for the family, as always, remains unchanging even in today’s evolving culture, where the definition of the family is constantly changing. As Christians, we must understand what Scripture says about the purpose and role of the family. 

We must all understand God’s purpose for starting a family. How are we to live out our roles as parents, spouses, or children in this world?

Let us now examine what the Bible teaches us about the Christian family’s design, purpose, and how it shapes our faith in Christ Jesus and our understanding of society.

1. God’s Original Design for the Family

Our God is the one who established the family at the beginning of creation. In Genesis 1:28, after forming Adam and Eve, God gave them this command:

“Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth…” – Genesis 1:28 (KJV)

A Christian family is supposed to be Christ-centered, and everyone in such a family should have surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ as their Lord and personal Saviour. They have also decided to make the Bible the true constitution from God to run their family.

Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

This reveals to us that family was not an afterthought of God. It was, and still is, a part of God’s plan for reflecting His image, building godly generations, and spreading His glory through a man.

“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” – Genesis 2:24 (KJV)

2. The Purpose of the Family According to Scripture

a. A Place for Spiritual Formation

The family, according to God’s design, is the primary school of faith for every member, especially the children. That is why God expects us as parents to have a personal relationship with Him. In this way, we can be able to pass the love and instructions of God to our children. 

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

We should know that it is within our family that children are taught to love, obey, and trust God. It is our role to tutor them as parents and loved ones.

b. The Family: A Reflection of God’s Love

Most times, I wonder if we as parents know that our children are learning from us directly or indirectly. One of our roles is to show them love that is not partial. In that way, they will come to appreciate the love of God that is expressed through us to them.

This is one way that we can prove God’s love to them practically. When we as parents love ourselves without selfish ambitions and avoid quarreling with one another before our children. We must love and submit to one another in love and the fear of God.

Ephesians 5:21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Ephesians 5:25 compares marriage to Christ’s love for the Church. This shows us that the home should model selfless, sacrificial love.

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church…”

C. The Family: A Foundation for Society

Strong families where Jesus Christ reigns create strong communities. Society has a lot to do with the character formation of a child. A godly society will produce godly children. 

As Christian parents, we should understand that the Bible is a blueprint for training our children. That is why, as parents, we must also be acquainted with the Bible to be able to use it to train our children. 

They must know how to pray, worship God, and read the Holy Bible, especially through family devotion. Teaching them how to live the Christian life.

We should help them as children relate to other trusted Christian families and the Church to create the right community for their growth and character. In this way, they will learn how to show respect and love to others.

We can utilize Christian writings, audio, and visual materials to help our children learn how to effectively train and discipline themselves in the ways of God. It is the best way for us to have peace in the future.

Proverbs 22:6 emphasizes the importance of early training: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

Proverbs 29:15 The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

Our children will not bring us shame in Jesus’ mighty name.

3. Biblical Roles in the Family

 The Role of the Husband

• The Priest: As a man—father, or husband—you are regarded as the head of your family and the priest of the home. You are supposed to be under the leadership of Christ Jesus as your head, also.

In a Christian home, the father/husband is assumed to have surrendered his life to Jesus Christ as his Lord and personal Saviour. In this way, the home is guaranteed to be under the leadership of Christ and not Satan.

1 Corinthians 11:3 But I would have you know that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is the man, and the head of Christ is God.

• Protector: The man of the house, as a father/husband, is supposed to be a protector of his home. He is to protect them from evil through his life of holiness and relationship with Christ Jesus. 

The wife and the children should be safe under his watch from any form of harassment, whether from society, relatives, or friends. He must lead with boldness and assurance. He must avoid putting his home under tension.

Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

Colossians 3:19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

• Sacrificial Lover: Your life must depict love and care that is full of sacrifice and without partiality to everyone in your home. You must avoid provoking them to serve Satan through your kindness of love and the word of God. 

Genesis 37:3-4 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age, and he made him a coat of many colours. 4 And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him and could not speak peaceably unto him.

As a father, our example should reflect an equal love as shown by the Father to Jesus and us, His children.

John 15:9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

You must show your wife and children care and love. It is essential to note that your family needs your attention, presence, and affection at home, rather than always staying late with others outside.

Proverbs 5:18 Let thy fountain be blessed, and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.

Ecclesiastes 9:9 Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.

• Provider: The father/husband is considered to play a major role in providing for his family. He is supposed to have a stable job to meet the needs of his household. It doesn’t matter how little he is earning; he is supposed to provide for his family with it.

In short, the Bible regards any man who is not providing for his own house as someone who has denied the faith and is worse than a sinner.

1 Timothy 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith and is worse than an infidel.

However, in some families, the wife may be earning more than the husband. But with Christ’s love in the home, they are supposed to manage the resources of the family together as one flesh.

Every family has its own uniqueness and challenges. But as a father/husband, you will need the wisdom of God and not ego to get the best in your home.

Ecclesiastes 10:10 If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength, but wisdom is profitable to direct.

• Mentor: The father/husband is regarded as a role model in his family and society. As a mentor, it is expected of you to set a good example for your wife and children. Your style and lifestyle will be greatly imitated by your children. 

That is why it is good to live a Christ-like lifestyle. You are to have a good relationship with God and pass it down to your family. Remember that anything you don’t have inside of you will be difficult to give out.

John 5:19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.

“For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church…” – Ephesians 5:23

• Honour: Every husband must learn how to honour their wives, either publicly or privately. To honour one’s wife is a command from God without any strings attached. It should be done unconditionally, in just the same way you want others to respect you.

Ephesians 5:28-30 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

• Be Faithful: Most men complain of the stubbornness and lack of submission from their wives as a result of their unfaithfulness. The truth is that your faithfulness is a command from God and will not only help your family but will also help you in making heaven. There’s no gain in moving from marriage to hell. Stay faithful to your family.

Matthew 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

We are advised by God to love and cherish our wives; this is a great weapon to avoid unfaithfulness in marriage.

Proverbs 5:18-19 Let thy fountain be blessed, and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. 19 Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.

We must remember that God is watching how we treat our wives, and He is a witness to the union. God doesn’t like any husband to treat his wife badly. He frowns at it.

Malachi 2:14-16 Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the Lord hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously, yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant. 15 And did he not make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore, take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. 16 For the Lord, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the Lord of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.

You can have a happy family with your wife if you can change your approach and the way you treat your wife. Make your marriage sweet intentionally by looking away sometimes from some little issues. If you call upon God, He can also make your marriage sweet. Let it not hinder your prayers. You don’t have to go to hell because of marriage.

1 Peter 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

The Family Role of the Wife 

The biblical wife also has her role in marriage according to God’s plan for marriage. She must understand that being a Christian wife comes with its roles and privileges in the marriage, guided by the word of God.

• Helper: God was quick to realize that Adam would not be able to fulfill his God-given purpose without a helper. This means to provide the needed help and assistance for him.

Genesis 2:20 And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him.

As a Christian wife, helping your husband is a design from God and not of man. Your helping your husband is not based on his level of perfection but on following God’s instructions. Knowing that you are doing it in obedience to God’s plan for him. He may not cherish you today, but God is the rewarder. He will one day.

Genesis 2:23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.

As a wife, God has given you gifts, strength, and abilities that will help you contribute to his progress as your husband. We are meant to use our differences to complement one another in our marriage and not allow Satan to turn them into our areas of conflict.

• Wise Home Builder: As a wife, you are considered a wise builder. Most wives who are enjoying their marriage are peacemakers. They have decided to stoop to conquer.

Proverbs 14:1 Every wise woman buildeth her house, but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.

Enjoying marriage most of the time will be based on some level of compromise by the husband and wife. Peacefully living together sometimes will require letting go of our rights and desires to always have our way.

Proverbs 31:27-28 Remember that you have a family to protect and a home to protect. No matter what your profession is or what your trade is, it is important to make time for each member of your family. 27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

• Husband Crown and Glory: As a wife, your presence in the home should bring joy, peace, and love to your husband at every sight of you. Something about you must always attract your husband to you.

Genesis 2:22-23 And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. 23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.

You, as a wife, are the crown and glory of your husband. You speak more to society about what your husband looks like.

Proverbs 12:4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband, but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

1 Corinthians 11:7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.

Remember to always look good for your husband. Don’t forget to tidy up your house and children.

• Submission and Respect for the Husband: God expects every woman to make a good decision on whom to marry. This is because after marriage, you must have made up your mind to submit to the man as the head of the family.

Ephesians 5:22-24 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church, and he is the saviour of the body. 24 Therefore, as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.

Submission is not cheating in marriage; it is the order of God to allow for peace. Imagine what will happen to a car and its passengers if it has two steering wheels and two drivers. Men are very happy when their wives are submissive. Safeguard your home.

• Partner in prayer and purpose: As a wife, you must understand that one of the powers of two becoming one is the power of unity. The more you are united in prayers, worship, decisions, and fellowship in God’s presence, the more you enjoy progress in your family. 

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. 10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. 11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? 12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Remember, two are always better than one. The more the two of you can pray and agree in unity concerning anything, the further you will go. That is why the devil always puts disagreement between husband and wife. 

So when you are experiencing such things, call upon Jesus. He will surely help you out and give you peace in your home. Remember, you are a gatekeeper of your family.

Matthew 18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father, which is in heaven.

The Family Role of the Children 

Children born into a family usually have their roles to play. The child is taught about godliness, growing in Christ, learning, and how to contribute to the family’s progress and household chores. 

Being guided by the scriptures on how to show respect to parents and anyone older than you is very important. Sometimes children serve as scapegoats for the expression of anger or aggression by their parents or older ones.

• Knowing God Personally: Every child in a Christian home must first know the Lord Jesus personally and live a life pleasing to God daily.

2 Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus.

• Called to Honor and Obey: One important role of any child is to show respect to their parents, elders, and people in authority, as laid down by Jesus.

Luke 2:51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was subject unto them, but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 

God does not expect you to dishonor your parent, no matter their status. It is dangerous.

Ephesians 6:2-3 Honour thy father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise; 3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

Proverbs 30:17 The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.

• To Be Trained in the Way of the Lord: God expects the parents and all those around the child to teach the child His ways early, firmly, and consistently. As a child, you have to learn the ways of God early so that you can be a godly child.

Deuteronomy 6:6-8 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. 8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.

2 Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus.

• Household Chores: We, as parents, should start early in allowing and training our children to assist in the household chores at home. Just like cooking, sweeping, making the bed, and going on errands. 

It helps the child to mature properly and create an atmosphere for division of labour, especially in our trade or business. As a child, you must be willing to contribute to the progress of your family. 

Mark 6:3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James and Joses and of Juda and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.

Jesus also assisted His father in his trade.

• To Care for and Support Parents: Jesus made it clear that one important role of a child is to care for and support their parent in their old age.

Matthew 15:4-6 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother,” and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. 5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; 6 And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.

• You must pursue a Trade or Career:  As a child, you must understand that you have a future to secure. Don’t throw it away in the hands of mediocrity and distractions. Work hard, with the help of God, avoiding distractions that are bent on destroying your future. 

Proverbs 22:29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.

Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

4. Challenges of the Biblical Family Today

The pattern of God for marriage is today put to question by policies, ideologies, social media, and cultural beliefs. This war against God’s principles for families today is causing a lot of divisions, confusion, and spiritual coldness. But God has not changed His principles and roles concerning the family. They are still relevant and bring peace to any family that aligns with the principles of God.

1 Corinthians 7:3-5 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence, and likewise also the wife unto the husband. 4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband; and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. 5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

We should remember that God is the founder of marriage, and it can only be run successfully by His constitution/manual—the Holy Bible.

5. Building a Christ-Centered Family Today

Building a Christ-centered family means that Jesus Christ is the center and final constitution of the home and guides every daily activity in the family. 

Most especially, the word of God should now pattern our family values and roles through regular fellowship in Christ Jesus. 

As a family, regular prayers, studying the scriptures, and going to church together help to build up a Christ-centered home.

We have to establish a home environment where faith is lived out in daily life, prioritizing God’s Word and values that foster a culture of love and service. 

This can be achieved through regularly praying together, studying scripture, and acts of service or fellowship as a family unit. While also intentionally guarding against outside influences that contradict biblical principles. 

Practical Ways in the Family 

Here are some practical ways to align your home with God’s will:

• Pray together regularly:  Prayer, especially in agreement, is one major way of fellowshipping with God. When a family prays together, they are able to pray and fast with a common goal and be aware of the family’s needs.

Matthew 18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father, which is in heaven.

• Study God’s Word as a Family: This is very important in a family. Our families will benefit from it as they grow in their faith in Christ Jesus. One of its greatest weapons, if used effectively, is to correct any flaws in character or behaviour noticed in the family. It’s an avenue to instill Christ-like characters and teachings on love, peace, forgiveness, and all that God stands for.

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness

• Fellowshiping and Serving God Together: This is a very important aspect of the family. Serving God together in the same assembly helps to develop the same faith, love, and fear of God in the hearts of every family member. This helps to foster love and unity.

Hebrews 10:23-25 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering (for he is faithful that promised) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

• Holy and Peaceful Living: It is very important to know that for a family to be Christ-centered, its foundation must be based on obedience to the word of God in holy and peaceful living. 

A holy life is a must if we are all planning to see every one of our family members make it to heaven. And most especially, we must pursue peace within and outside of our family.

Hebrews 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

1 Peter 1:15-16 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

• Helping Other People: Every family must be open to helping others. No matter your status, there is someone who will need your help. It is a good way to train our children in developing compassion for others. Doing this will one day be of benefit to the parents in their old age.

Matthew 25:34-35, 40 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

It is a mark of Christianity to show the love of God to humanity.

• Evangelism: We are all mandated by Jesus to win souls for Him as a family, according to His last wishes before leaving this world to the Father after His resurrection.

Mark 16:15-16 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

• Common Vision: As a Christian family, it is very important to have a clear vision, goals, objectives, and pursuits. Every project and progress plan must be made clear to every member of the family and supported in unity. Executions of family plans must be in unity.

Habakkuk 2:2-3 And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. 3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

In Conclusion

From all that we have gone through about a Christian family, it is very clear that God’s idea for the family is built on purpose and filled with potential plans. When we return to Scripture and follow His design through the help of the Holy Spirit, our homes become more than just a place to live, but heaven on earth.

Our family becomes a place of love, truth, and transformation. Whether you’re starting a family, nurturing one, or praying for healing, God’s Word offers hope and direction through Christ Jesus.

Is your family aligned with God’s Word?
Share a step you’re taking to build a faith-filled home in the comments section, or reach out for prayer. Let’s strengthen Christian homes together—one godly decision at a time. You can also reconcile your life and family to God by surrendering to Jesus Christ today!

Pray this from your heart:

“Lord Jesus, today I come to You and I believe that You are the Son of God. I believe You died on the cross for me to pay for all my sins and rose again to give me eternal life. I confess today that I am a sinner, and I am asking for Your mercy. Please forgive me, cleanse me, and come into my heart today. I today accept You as my Lord and Saviour. From this moment, I belong to You. Help me to live for You and never turn back. Amen.”

If you would like to know God more deeply and become more like Christ, explore the resources on our Christian Lifestyle homepage to learn more about the truths shared in this message. You can also learn more about our vision and calling on the About Us page. We have a special gift for you. You can sign up for our Devotional Guide for one month and also get uplifting messages through our newsletter.

For common questions about salvation, sin, and faith, visit our FAQ page. If you need counseling, prayer, or simply want to talk to someone about your walk with God, please get in touch with us — we are here to walk alongside you in Christ.