Overcome Family Problems
A Catholic Guide To Family Happiness
Edited By Francis X. J. W.
Australian Catholic Truth Society No.1804a (1986)
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THE old car has just been washed and waxed. To passersby it looks shiny, almost new. But underneath the surface, corrosive rust is eating away the body of the vehicle. It is similar with some families. Although to outward appearances everything looks fine, smiling faces hide fear and pain. Behind closed doors corrosive elements are eating away at family peace.
Two problems that can have this effect are alcoholism and violence.
Review Question. What hidden problems exist in some families?
THE DAMAGE CAUSED BY ALCOHOLISM.
The Bible does not condemn the moderate use of alcoholic beverages, but it does condemn drunkenness and this is the exact same position of the Catholic Church. (Proverbs 23:20-21 contains one of the condemnations of drunkenness: “Be not in the feasts of great drinkers, nor in their revellings, who contribute flesh to eat: Because they that give themselves to drinking, and that club together shall be consumed; and drowsiness shall be clothed with rags.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 contains another, in a list of terrible sins: “Know you not that the unjust shall not possess the kingdom of God? Do not err! Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, Nor the effeminate, nor those who lie with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor extortioners, shall possess the kingdom of God.” 1 Timothy 5:23 however contains the famous medical advice of St Paul to St Timothy in his illnesses: “Do not still drink water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake, and your frequent infirmities.” Titus 2:2-3 contains additional moderate advice: “The aged men should be sober, chaste, prudent, sound in faith, in love, in patience. The aged women, in like manner, in holy attire, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teaching well.”) Alcoholism, though, is more than drunkenness; it is a disease. It is a chronic preoccupation with alcoholic drinks and a loss of control over their consumption. Alcoholics can be adults. Sadly, they can also be youths.
Review Questions.
(a) What is the Bible's view of the use of alcoholic beverages?
(b) What is alcoholism?
FAMILY HAPPINESS.
The Bible long ago indicated that misuse of alcohol can disrupt family peace. (Deuteronomy 21: 18-21 regarded the threat of drunkenness to family life as so serious that in certain circumstances it was a capital offence: “If a man have a stubborn and unruly son, who will not hear the commandments of his father or mother, and being corrected, slights obedience: They shall take him and bring him to the ancients of his city, and to the gate of judgment, And shall say to them: This our son is rebellious and stubborn, he slights hearing our admonitions, he gives himself to drunkenness, to revelling, and to debauchery and banquetings: The people of the city shall stone him: and he shall die, that you may take away the evil out of the midst of you, and all Israel hearing it may be afraid!”) The corrosive effects of alcoholism are felt by the entire family. The spouse may become absorbed in efforts to stop the alcoholic's drinking or to cope with his unpredictable behavior. {Footnote: Although we refer to the alcoholic as a male, the principles herein apply equally when the alcoholic is a female.} She tries concealing the liquor, throwing it away, hiding his money, and appealing to his love for family, for life, even for God-but the alcoholic still drinks. As her efforts to control his drinking meet with repeated failure, she feels frustrated and inadequate. She may begin to suffer from fear, anger, guilt, nervousness, anxiety, and lack of self-respect.
Children do not escape the effects of a parent's alcoholism. Some are assaulted physically. Others are molested sexually. They may even blame themselves for a parent's alcoholism. Frequently their ability to trust others is shattered by the alcoholic's inconsistent behavior. Because they cannot comfortably talk about what is happening at home, the children may learn to suppress their feelings, often with harmful physical consequences. (Proverbs 17:22 cautions us: “A joyful mind makes age flourishing: a sorrowful spirit dries up the bones.”) Such children may carry this lack of self-confidence or self-respect right into adulthood.
Review Question. Describe the effects of alcoholism on the spouse of the alcoholic and on the children.
WHAT CAN THE FAMILY DO?
YOU CAN OVERCOME PROBLEMS THAT DAMAGE A FAMILY.
Although many authorities say that alcoholism cannot be cured, most agree that a measure of recovery is possible with a program of total abstinence. In fact the most successful cures have been obtained through the organization called Alcoholics Anonymous. Part of its success revolves around the fact that the alcoholic surrenders his problem to the healing power of ‘the power ‘Greater Than Themselves’. Moreover the same organization has set up ‘Al-Anon’ groups which provide support for the families of alcoholics, Search the Internet or your local Health Centre for the nearest groups to you. (When we think of total abstinence if we have the disease called alcoholism, we ought to compare Matthew 5:29 and the words of Our Lord with our own human reactions: “And if your right eye cause you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. For it is expedient for you that one of your members should perish, rather than that your whole body be cast into hell”.) However, getting an alcoholic to accept help is easier said than done, since he usually denies that he has a problem. Nevertheless, when family members take steps to deal with the way the alcoholism has affected them, the alcoholic may begin to realize that he has a problem. A physician with experience in helping alcoholics and their families said: "I think the most important thing is for the family simply to go about their business of living in the healthiest way they can. The alcoholic more and more gets confronted with how big the contrast is between him and the rest of the family."
Review Question. How can alcoholism be managed and why is this difficult?
FAMILY HAPPINESS.
If there is an alcoholic in your family, the Bible's inspired counsel can assist you in living in the healthiest way possible. (Remember Isaiah 48:17 says: “Thus says the Lord your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am the Lord your God that teach you profitable things, that govern you in the way that you walk.” 2 Timothy 3: 16-17 teaches us that: “All scripture is inspired of God, and is profitable to teach, to reprove, to correct, to instruct in justice, That the man of God may be perfect, furnished to every good work.” Every part of divine scripture is certainly profitable for all these ends. But, if we would have the whole rule of Christian faith and practice, we must not be content with those Scriptures, which Timothy knew from his infancy, that is, with the Old Testament alone: nor yet with the New Testament, without taking along with it the traditions of the apostles, and the interpretation of the church, to which the apostles delivered both the book, and the true meaning of it.) Consider some principles that have helped families to deal successfully with alcoholism.
Review Question. What is the best source of counsel for families with an alcoholic member?
Stop taking all the blame.
The Bible says: "For every one shall bear his own burden." (Galatians 6:5) and, "every one of us shall render account to God for himself." (Romans 14:12) The alcoholic may try to suggest that family members are responsible. For example, he may say: "If you treated me better, I wouldn't drink." If others appear to agree with him, they are encouraging him to continue drinking. But even if we are victimized by circumstances or by other people, all of us - including alcoholics - are responsible for what we do. - Compare Philippians 2:12which says: “Wherefore, my dearly beloved, (as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but much more now in my absence,) with fear and trembling work out your own salvation.
Review Question. If a family member is an alcoholic, who is responsible?
Do not feel that you must always shield the alcoholic from the consequences of his drinking.
A Bible proverb about someone in a rage could apply equally to the alcoholic: "A violent tempered person will pay the penalty; if you effect a rescue, you will only have to do it again." (Proverbs 19:19)
Let the alcoholic feel the effects of his drinking. Let him clean up after himself or call his employer the morning after a drinking episode.
Review Question. What are some ways that the alcoholic may be helped to face the consequences of his problem?
Accept help from others.
YOU CAN OVERCOME PROBLEMS THAT DAMAGE A FAMILY by accepting help from others.
Proverbs 17:17 says: " He that is a friend loves at all times: and a brother is proved in distress." When there is an alcoholic in your family, there is distress. You need help. Do not hesitate to rely on ‘true companions' ‘true friends’ for support. (Proverbs 18:24 says of a true friend: “A man amiable in society shall be more friendly than a brother.”) Talking with others who understand the problem or who have faced a similar situation may provide you with practical suggestions on what to do and what not to do. But be balanced. Speak with those you trust, those who will protect your "confidential talk." This is one of the great advantages of the ‘Al-Anon’ groups. - Proverbs 11:13 reminds to always respect confidentiality: “He that walks deceitfully, reveals secrets: but he that is faithful, conceals the thing committed to him by his friend.”
Learn to trust good Catholic priests.
The Priests and other respected and mature members of your parish congregation can be a great source of help. Your pastors and parish priests and curates are mature men and are educated in God's Word and the Catholic tradition and they are experienced in the application of its principles. They can prove to be "men [who] shall be as when one is hid from the wind, and who hides himself from a storm, as rivers of waters in drought, and the shadow of a rock that stands out in a desert land." (Isaiah 32:2) Not only do Catholic parish priests protect the congregation as a whole from harmful influences but they also comfort, refresh, and take a personal interest in individuals who have problems. Take full advantage of their help.
Review Question. Why should the families of alcoholics accept help, and whose help in particular should they seek?
Above all, draw strength from God our Father.
The Bible warmly assures us in Psalm 34: 18 [it is Psalm 33:18-19 in the Vulgate]: "The just cried, and the Lord heard them: and delivered them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a contrite heart: and he will save the humble of spirit.” If you feel broken at heart or crushed in spirit because of the pressures of living with an alcoholic family member, know that "The Lord is nigh." Yes, God our Father is near! He understands how difficult your family situation is. - 1 Peter 5:6-7 says: “Be you humbled therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in the time of visitation: Casting all your care upon him, for he has care of you.”
FAMILY HAPPINESS.
Believing what God our Father says in his Word can help you to cope with anxiety. (Psalm 130:3-4 says: [Psalm 129:3-4 in the Vulgate] “If You, O Lord, will mark our iniquities: Lord, who shall stand it. But with You there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of Your law, I have waited for You, O Lord. My soul has relied on His word.”)
In the matter of anxiety we should always meditate on those consoling words of Our Lord recorded in Matthew 6:25-34:
“Therefore I say to you, be not solicitous for your life, what you shall eat, nor for your body, what you shall put on. Is not the life more than the meat: and the body more than the raiment?
“Behold the birds of the air, for they neither sow, nor do they reap, nor gather into barns: and your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you of much more value than they? And which of you by taking thought, can add to his stature by one cubit? And for raiment why are you solicitous? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they labor not, neither do they spin. But I say to you, that not even Solomon in all his glory was arrayed as one of these. And if the grass of the field, which is today, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, God does so clothe: how much more you, O ye of little faith?
“Be not solicitous therefore, saying, What shall we eat: or what shall we drink, or wherewith shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the heathens seek. For your Father knows that you have need of all these things. Seek ye therefore first the kingdom of God, and his justice, and all these things shall be added unto you. Be not therefore solicitous for tomorrow; for the morrow will be solicitous for itself. Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof.”
1 John 3:19-20 tells us: “In this we know that we are of the truth: and in his sight shall persuade our hearts. For if our heart reprehend us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.”
Studying God's Word and living by its principles puts you in line to receive the help of God's Holy Spirit, which can equip you with "power beyond what is normal" to cope from one day to the next. - 2 Corinthians 4:7 reminds us: “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the power of God, and not of us”.
In some lands, there are treatment centers, hospitals, and recovery programs that specialize in helping alcoholics and their families. Many of them are run by the Catholic Church. Whether to seek such help or not is a personal decision. We do not here endorse any particular treatment except our thorough recommendation of the Alcoholics Anonymous programme still stands. However, care must be exercised so that, in seeking help, one does not become involved in activities that compromise Scriptural principles as is possible in a growing number of alternative therapies which are regressing to some sort of ‘New Age’ superstition.
Review Question. Who provides the greatest help for families of alcoholics, and how is that support given?
HANDY HINT.
The Catholic Priesthood can be a great source of help in solving family problems.
Abuse of alcohol can lead to another problem that damages many families - domestic violence.
Review Question. What is a second problem that damages many families?
DAMAGE CAUSED BY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.
YOU CAN OVERCOME PROBLEMS THAT DAMAGE A FAMILY.
The first violent act in human history was an incident of domestic violence involving two brothers, Cain and Abel! (Genesis 4:8) Ever since then, mankind has been plagued with all manner of domestic violence. There are husbands who batter wives, wives who attack husbands, parents who cruelly beat their young children, and grown children who abuse their elderly parents.
Review Question. When did domestic violence begin, and what is the situation today?
The damage caused by domestic violence goes far beyond the physical scars. One battered wife said: "There is a lot of guilt and shame you have to deal with. Most mornings, you just want to stay in bed, hoping it was just a bad dream." Children who observe or experience domestic violence may themselves be violent when they grow up and have families of their own.
Review Question. How are family members affected emotionally by domestic violence?
Domestic violence is not limited to physical abuse. Often the assault is verbal. Proverbs 12: 18 says: “There is speech that promises thoughtlessly, and is pricked as it were with a sword of conscience: but the tongue of the wise is health." These "stabs of the sword" that characterize domestic violence include name-calling and shouting, as well as constant criticism, degrading insults, and threats of physical violence. The wounds of emotional violence are invisible and often go unnoticed by others.
Especially sad is the emotional battering of a child - the constant criticizing and belittling of a child's abilities, intelligence, or value as a person. Such verbal abuse can destroy the spirit of a child. True, all children need discipline. But the Bible instructs fathers: “Fathers, provoke not your children to indignation, lest they be discouraged." - Colossians 3:21.
Review Question. What is emotional abuse and how are family members affected by it?
HOW TO AVOID DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.
FAMILY HAPPINESS.
Domestic violence begins in the heart and mind; the way we act begins with how we think. (James 1:14-15 says: “But every man is tempted by his own concupiscence, being drawn away and allured. Then when concupiscence has conceived, it brings forth sin. But sin, when it is completed, begets death.”) To stop the violence, the abuser needs to transform his way of thinking. (Romans 12:2 says: “And be not conformed to this world; but be reformed in the newness of your mind, that you may prove what is the good, and the acceptable, and the perfect will of God”.) Is that possible? Yes. God's Word has the power to change people. It can uproot even "strongly entrenched" fortifications of destructive views. (2 Corinthians 10:4 teaches us: “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty to God unto the pulling down of fortifications, destroying counsels, and every height that exhalts itself against the knowledge of God.” Hebrews 4:12 further encourages us: “For the word of God is living and effectual, and more piercing than any two edged sword; and reaching unto the division of the soul and the spirit, of the joints also and the marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”) Accurate knowledge of the Bible, along with the willing co-operation of the soul with God’s many graces can help produce so complete a change in people that they are said to put on a new personality. To this end, frequent reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation is thoroughly recommended. - Ephesians 4:22-24 tells us: “Put off, according to former conversation, the old man, who is corrupted according to the desire of error. And be renewed in the spirit of your mind: And put on the new man, who according to God is created in justice and holiness of truth.” Colossians 3:8-10 is a reminder: “But now put you also all away: anger, indignation, malice, blasphemy, filthy speech out of your mouth. Lie not one to another: stripping yourselves of the old man with his deeds, And putting on the new, him who is renewed unto knowledge, according to the image of him that created him.”
Review Question. Where does domestic violence begin, and what does the Bible show is the way to stop it?
Have a proper view of your marriage mate.
God's Word says: "Husbands, so also ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loves his wife, loves himself.” (Ephesians 5:28) The Bible also says that a husband should assign his wife "honor as to a weaker vessel." (1 Peter 3:7 says specifically: “Ye husbands, likewise dwelling with them according to knowledge, giving honor to the female as to the weaker vessel, and as to the co-heirs of the grace of life: that your prayers be not hindered.”) Wives are admonished "to love their husbands" and to have "deep respect" for them. (Titus 2:4 says: “[The older women are to see to it] that they may teach the young women to be wise, to love their husbands, to love their children.” Ephesians 5:33 teaches: “Nevertheless let every one of you in particular love his wife as himself: and let the wife fear and honor her husband with deep respect.”) Surely no God-fearing husband can truthfully argue that he really honors his wife if he assaults her physically or verbally. And no wife who screams at her husband, addresses him sarcastically, or constantly scolds him can say that she truly loves and respects him.
Review Question. How should a Christian view and treat a marriage mate?
YOU CAN OVERCOME PROBLEMS THAT DAMAGE A FAMILY.
Have a proper view of children.
Children deserve, yes, need, love and attention from their parents. God's Word calls children "an inheritance of the Lord" and "a reward." (Psalm 127:3 [it’s Psalm 126:3 in the Vulgate] says: “Behold the inheritance of the Lord are children: the reward, the fruit of the womb.”) Parents are responsible before the Lord God our Father to care for that inheritance. The Bible speaks of "the traits or things of a babe or child" and the "foolishness or folly" of boyhood. (1 Corinthians 13:11 says: “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child. But, when I became a man, I put away the things of a child.” Proverbs 22:15 says: “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, and the rod of correction shall drive it away”.) Parents should not be surprised if they encounter foolishness in their children. Youngsters are not adults. Parents should not demand more than is appropriate for a child's age, family background, and ability. - See also Genesis 33:12-14 where Jacob shows anxiety about his “tender children” and says he will follow his brother Esau: “I will follow softly after him, as I shall see my children to be able.”
Review Question. Before whom are parents responsible for their children, and why should parents not have unrealistic expectations of their children?
Have a proper view of elderly parents.
Leviticus 19:32 says: "Rise up before the hoary head of grey hair, and honor the person of the aged man: and fear the Lord your God. I am the Lord." God's Law thus fostered respect and a high regard for the elderly. This may be a challenge when an elderly parent seems overly demanding or is ill and perhaps does not move or think quickly. Still, children are reminded to "make a return of duty (due compensation) to their parents." (1 Timothy 5:4 says: “But if any widow have children, or grandchildren, let her learn first to govern her own house, and to make a return of duty to her parents: for this is acceptable before God.”) This would mean treating them with dignity and respect, perhaps even providing for them financially. Mistreating elderly parents physically or otherwise absolutely contradicts the way the Bible tells us to act.
Review Question. What is the godly way of viewing elderly parents and of dealing with them?
Cultivate self-control.
Proverbs 29:11 says: "A fool utters all his mind: a wise man defers, and keeps it calm till afterwards.” How can you control your spirit? Prayerfully control your mind. Instead of letting frustration build up inside, act quickly to settle difficulties that arise. (Ephesians 4:26-27 advises: “Be angry, but sin not. Let not the sun go down upon your anger. Give not place to the devil.”) Leave the scene if you feel yourself losing control. Pray for God the Holy Spirit to produce self-control in you. (Galatians 5:22-23 gives us the classic list of the fruits of the Holy Spirit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is, charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, mildness, faith, modesty, self-control, chastity. Against such there is no law.”) Going for a walk or engaging in some physical exercise may help you to control your emotions. (Proverbs 17:14 advises: “The beginning of quarrels is as if one lets out water: before he suffers reproach he forsakes judgment.” Proverbs 17:27 adds this saying: “He that sets bounds to his words is knowing and wise: and the man of understanding is of a precious spirit.”) Endeavor to be "slow to anger." - Proverbs 14:29 proclaims: “He that is patient and slow to anger, is governed with much wisdom: but he that is impatient, exalts his folly.”
Review Question. What is a key quality in overcoming domestic violence, and how can it be exercised?
TO SEPARATE OR REMAIN TOGETHER?
FAMILY HAPPINESS.
The Bible places among the works condemned by God "enmities, contentions, ...fits of anger" and states that "those who do such things shall not obtain the kingdom of God." (The full quote is in Galatians 5:19-21: “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are fornication, uncleanness, immodesty, luxury, idolatry, witchcrafts, enmities, contentions, jealousy, bad temper, quarrels, dissensions, sects, envies, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and such like. Of the which I foretell you, as I have foretold to you, that they who do such things shall not obtain the kingdom of God.”) Therefore, anyone claiming to be a Christian who repeatedly and unrepentantly gives in to violent fits of anger, perhaps including physical abuse of spouse or children, can not claim to be on the road to God’s Kingdom. In times past, some who have refused to amend their ways have found themselves excommunicated from the Church until the genuine signs of repentance have been forth-coming. (Compare 2 John 1:9-10 which says: “Whosoever revolts, and continues not in the doctrine of Christ, has not God. He that continues in the doctrine, the same has both the Father and the Son. If any man come to you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into the house nor say to him, God speed you.” This admonition is in general, to forewarn the faithful of the dangers which may arise from a familiarity with those who have prevaricated and gone from the true faith, and with such as teach false doctrine. But this is not forbidding a charity for all men, by which we ought to wish and pray for the eternal salvation of every one, even of our enemies.) The Church, like its Head, Our Lord Jesus Christ, is always anxious for the return of a sinning or straying sheep, but it wants the sinner genuinely to turn away from sin and believe in the Gospel. - In 1 Corinthians 5:6-7, St Paul says to the vain Corinthian Christians: “Your glorying is not good. Know you not that a little leaven corrupts the whole lump? Purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new paste, as you are unleavened. For Christ our Passover is sacrificed.” In Galatians 5:9 he had used the same comparison when he had said: “A little leaven corrupts the whole lump.” Therefore we urge you, dear reader to keep clean from being an abusive person.
Review Question. What may happen if a member of the Church repeatedly and unrepentantly gives in to violent fits of anger, perhaps including physical abuse of his family?
What about Christians who are currently being battered by an abusive spouse who shows no sign of changing? Some have chosen to stay with the abusive spouse for one reason or another. Many do this in a spirit of sacrifice, reparation and fidelity to their marriage vows. Others have chosen to leave, feeling that their physical, mental, and spiritual health-perhaps even their life-is in danger. They are aware of the binding nature of their marriage commitment, but they are also aware of the gross dangers they and their children are in. They know they cannot re-marry while their spouse lives, but they perceive that a separation is necessary in the circumstances of their lives. This is done only after consultation with their parish priest except in a dire emergency when the priest is consulted as soon as possible after the emergency separation. What a victim of domestic violence chooses to do in these circumstances is a personal decision before God our loving Father. (1 Corinthians 7:10-11 contains most of the relevant principles: “But to them that are married, not I but the Lord commands, that the wife depart not from her husband. And if she depart, that she remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband. And let not the husband put away his wife.”) Well-meaning friends, relatives, or mature Christians may wish to offer help and counsel, but they should not put pressure on a victim to take any particular course of action except in line with the principles of the Church Christ founded. Naturally one should always seek advice and counsel in these matters from your priest-confessor or your Parish Priest. - Romans 14:4 contains a strong warning against passing of judgments on anyone in these or similar situations. It says: “Who are you that judges another man's servant? To his own lord he stands or falls. And he shall stand: for God is able to make him stand.” In other words, let God be the final judge. Galatians 6:5 admonishes us: “For every one shall bear his own burden.” Thus we are warned not to judge others. What we can do is offer as much support, spiritual, emotional, and even material as we can to anyone whose marriage is suffering under this type of distress.
Review Questions.
(a) How may abused spouses choose to act?
(b) How may concerned friends and others support an abused spouse, but what should they not do?
HANDY HINT.
Christian mates who love and respect each other will act quickly to settle difficulties.
AN END TO DAMAGING PROBLEMS.
YOU CAN OVERCOME PROBLEMS THAT DAMAGE A FAMILY.
When God our Father brought Adam and Eve together in marriage, he never originally purposed that families should be corroded by damaging problems such as alcoholism or violence. These things emerged into human experience as a result of the fall. Original Sin temporarily disrupted the plans of God our loving Father. (Ephesians 3:14-15 has St Paul’s prayer: “For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom all paternity (the whole family) in heaven and earth is named) The family was to be a place where love and peace would flourish and each member would have his mental, emotional, and spiritual needs cared for. With the introduction of sin, however, family life quickly deteriorated. - Compare Ecclesiastes 8:9 which says: “All these things I have considered, and applied my heart to all the works that are done under the sun. Sometimes one man rules over another to his own hurt.” Thus the Preacher observed the ill effects of sin and tyranny.
Review Question. What is God our Father's purpose for the family?
FAMILY HAPPINESS.
Happily, God our Father has not abandoned his purpose for the family. He promises to usher in a peaceful new world at the resurrection of the dead. How good Christians long for the day of Christ’s Second coming, the resurrection of the body and the Life Everlasting! “Come, Lord Jesus!” is their continual prayer. God promises us eternal life in a place in which His saints (that’s us, if we remain faithful) will, in the prophetic vision of Ezekiel, "be no more for a spoil to the nations, neither shall the beasts of the earth devour them: but they shall dwell securely without any terror." (Ezekiel 34:28) At that time, alcoholism, domestic violence, and all the other problems that damage families today will be things of the past. There will be no room for ANY sin. People will smile, not to hide fear and pain, but because they are finding, to use the words of one of the Psalms, that "the meek shall inherit the land, and shall delight in abundance of peace.” Exquisite delight! - Psalm 37:11. [It is Psalm 36:11 in the Vulgate.]
Review Question. What future awaits those who try to live in harmony with God our Father’s requirements?
HOW CAN THESE BIBLE PRINCIPLES HELP...
FAMILIES TO AVOID PROBLEMS THAT WOULD CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE?
God our Father condemns misuse of alcohol. - Proverbs 23:20-21.
Each individual is responsible for his actions. - Romans 14:12.
Without self-control we cannot serve God acceptably.
- Proverbs 29:11.
Genuine Christians honor their elderly parents. - Leviticus 19:32.