The mention of family matters invariably conjures up a feeling of difficulty as it can involve a host of untold stories and issues. Do we feel that “bad news” at home travels far and so we had better sweep it under the carpet and avoid making it known to others lest the reputation of the family be jeopardized? Shall we also prevent the news from becoming a talking point among friends and relatives that may affect our relationship with them in future?

   Admittedly, if the bad news arises from evil behavior such as criminal liability from immorality or illegal acts, debts resulting from addiction to gambling or drugs, emotional problems induced by divorce or other matrimonial issues, it will be very difficult for us to make it public. However, if we think that “sweeping it under the carpet” will keep the family at peace, I am afraid matters will accumulate and cause greater damage and even get out of control in future!

   To prevent such crises, we should think with prudence, “What teachings, guidance and promises had Christ Jesus given us about handling our personal and family matters?” The Bible has numerous accounts of God bestowing His grace to families. When Jesus entered the city of Jericho, a tax collector by the name of Zacchaeus climbed up a fig tree as he wanted to see Him. The Lord looked up and said: “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” Zacchaeus came down at once and gladly welcomed Jesus. Having heard the Lord’s teachings, he said publicly without fear: “Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” By this, Zacchaeus showed his repentance and faith in following Christ. In response to such concrete actions, Jesus said: “Today salvation has come to this house.” (Luke 19:1-10).

   On another public occasion, a father brought to the Lord Jesus a child who had been possessed by a spirit from young. When he heard the Lord say “Everything is possible for one who believes,” he revealed in public his helplessness towards his child’s problem and implored the Lord: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:14-27)

   These examples illustrate that God is willing to bestow His grace and bless a family through an individual’s act of faith in Him. Although it may be inappropriate for some matters to be made known to others or that they are unspeakable, as long as God’s will is to accomplish His redemptive grace through it, we can publicly receive the Lord’s help with a joyful heart. There was a senior who accepted Christ when he was sick but he passed away before he was baptized. Family members who witnessed the conversion invited the church to conduct a Christian memorial service for him. We could see that in the service, God sent condolences and help to the attendees. In the years that followed, we continued to hear stories about faith in Jesus and blessed lives among the relatives of this family.

   “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved – you and your household… he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God – he and his whole household” (Acts 16:31-34). Dear brothers and sisters, let us practice the word of God on this promise. Let us discern the grace of God and, in the days to come, recount and share God’s grace for our families more.