In a world where violence and aggression are all too common, parents and caregivers are naturally concerned about how they can create a peaceful, loving home environment for their families. I don’t know about you but I have had enough and a long time ago about violence, especially gun violence. In every one I have spoken with whether a situation with guns, knives or other ways, I have come to the conclusion that the answer to stop this is found in Christ. One approach that has gained popularity in recent years, although is not new, is the idea of creating a Christ-centered family, in which faith and spiritual values play a central role in daily life. In this post, we will explore the benefits of having a Christ-centered family and how it can lower the chances that family members will act out in violence.
First, let’s define what it means to have a Christ-centered family. At its core, this approach involves putting God and His teachings at the center of family life, and prioritizing spiritual values and principles in all aspects of daily living. This may involve regular prayer and worship, Bible study, attending church services, and engaging in acts of service or charitable giving. Kids learn a lot from volunteering or leading a fellowship group for their peers. Parents can model this to their children and first reflect God unto their children and family and then the entire family will follow suit and begin to inherently do the same for others they encounter. Each with their own personality and way.
One of the key ways that a Christ-centered family can help prevent violence is by providing a strong moral compass for children and young adults. In a family that is guided by faith and values, children are taught to prioritize kindness, forgiveness, and compassion towards others, rather than aggression or violence. This can help to reduce the likelihood that children will engage in aggressive or violent behavior towards others, and can foster a sense of empathy and understanding that can be valuable in all aspects of life.It is not easily done with having Christ as the center of it. You can’t use a hollywood actor or a political figure or a human in past history that you can idolize and have the same effect. Jesus is all in all, and building everything around Him and His teachings is the key to healthy families. What movie actor can do this? None. What famous musician can? None. What President can? None, but Jesus can and will.
People will debate that it is they, themselves, that they reflect or shadow and need to focus on 100% on self. What good does that do except fool yourself and becoming an expert of the world. Or some may say it is another supposed deity but that would cause false doctrine and leave someone in constant seek mode. They may learn to be peaceful through other religions and get to be a successful human through self help books but no one or anything will make you whole until you trust and accept Jesus.
Having a Christ-centered family can provide a sense of stability and security for children and adults alike. When families prioritize their faith and spiritual values, it can create a sense of purpose and meaning in life that can help individuals feel more grounded and centered. This can be especially valuable during times of stress or difficulty, when individuals may be more prone to aggressive or violent behavior.
Another key benefit of having a Christ-centered family is the emphasis on forgiveness and reconciliation. In a family that is guided by faith, forgiveness is a central value, and individuals are encouraged to seek forgiveness and extend it to others. This can help to diffuse conflicts and reduce the likelihood that anger or resentment will escalate into violence. Additionally, a Christ-centered family may be more likely to seek professional help or counseling in the event of conflicts or struggles, which can be a valuable tool in preventing violence and promoting healing. Also Christ enters into the conversation and decision making and that can make all the difference.
Research has also shown that religious involvement ( and I am not talking fake christian which we see a lot in churches today) can be associated with lower rates of violence and aggression. A study published in the Journal of Research on Adolescence found that adolescents who attended church services frequently were less likely to engage in violent or aggressive behavior than those who did not attend church regularly. Similarly, a study published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence found that individuals who reported higher levels of religious involvement had lower levels of physical and verbal aggression towards others.
It is worth noting that while having a Christ-centered family can provide many benefits, it is not a guarantee that family members will never engage in violent or aggressive behavior. Every family is unique, and there are many factors that can contribute to violence, such as underlying mental health conditions, substance abuse, or exposure to violence in the media. However, having a Christ-centered family can be an important protective factor that can help reduce the likelihood of violent behavior and promote peace and harmony in the home. Plus Christ has a way of convicting our hearts when we drift from the faith and get ourselves into sin.
Having a Christ-centered family can be a powerful tool in preventing violence and promoting peace and harmony in the home. By prioritizing faith and spiritual values, families can provide a strong moral compass for children and young adults, promote empathy and understanding, and foster forgiveness and reconciliation. Additionally, research suggests that religious involvement can be associated with lower rates of violence and aggression. As such, families may wish to consider incorporating faith and spiritual values into their daily lives as a means of creating a more peaceful and harmonious home environment.
Sources:
- Foshee, V. A., et al. (2004). Protective and risk factors associated with adolescent violence in the United States.