The phrase “three generations under one roof” originally referred to grandparents, parents, and children living together. Over time, it came to broadly describe three generations sharing life together, not necessarily residing in the same home. In recent years, the increasingly common phenomenon of “migratory birds,” with grandparents traveling back and forth to visit their children and grandchildren, can be seen as an evolved version of this concept. In traditional society, having “three generations under one roof” is considered a blessing, symbolizing the continuity and heritage of life and family. In the Old Testament Book of Ruth, it is recorded that Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth were both widowed and childless. Through Naomi’s close relative, the LORD enabled Ruth to be married and as such, “Naomi has a son!” (Ruth 4:17). This child became the grandfather of King David and, ultimately, an ancestor of Jesus Christ.

        Naomi’s grandchild was not born from her biological child. Similarly, we may not all become parents or grandparents, but we are undoubtedly someone else’s children or grandchildren. Within the church, we have various family combinations: Children and grandchildren of believing parents who also believe and attend church together are commonly referred to as “second- or third-generation believers.” Likewise, if our parents or grandparents come to believe in Christ, joining us in church to worship, fellowship, and learn God’s word together, this too becomes “three generations under one roof”—three generations worshiping together at church (at North Point Alliance Church).

       When Jesus spoke about the resurrection of the dead, He quoted the LORD’s self-description to Moses: “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob” (Mark 12:26), illustrating that God is the God of the living. Clearly, God is not merely the God of the three individually, nor merely of their three generations, but of all generations throughout history who believe. Therefore, “three generations under one roof” is not restricted to just three generations; it can extend to several or many generations (the number “three” can symbolize “several” or “many,” as implied by the expressions “making inferences on three from one example” or “think thrice before acting”). Furthermore, this concept transcends the blood relationships and immediate family ties of “three generations.” It is because by believing in Jesus Christ, we all become children of God (John 1:12) and members of Christ’s body (1 Corinthians 12:27). In other words, “three generations under one roof” signifies one family in Christ building across generations, living out “Cherish God’s Word in Our Hearts, Journey Together in Genuine Fellowship.”

        The concept of “three generations under one roof” is not limited to this life but also in God’s eternal Kingdom. In his letter to the Thessalonian church, the Apostle Paul specifically comforted believers who had lost their loved ones, reminding them that those who have died in Christ are merely asleep in God’s eyes. When the Lord Jesus returns, they will rise first and be reunited with their loved ones who are still living (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17). As Jesus said to the criminal crucified next to Him who was about to die, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). The term “paradise” refers to heaven.

       “Three generations under one roof” bound by love—on earth as it is in heaven.