The Hebrew term mish·pa·chahʹ (family), in addition to referring to a household, also means, by extension, a tribe, people, or nation.  The Greek word pa·tri·aʹ also is broad in its scope.  Jehovah God is the originator of the family arrangement.  He is the Father of his heavenly family and the one to whom ‘all the families on earth owe their name.’ (Eph 3:14, 15) 

In the Bible, Jehovah God has since made clear that He accords great importance to the divinely granted power of procreation, the means by which a man can carry on his name and family line in the earth.​—Ge 38:8-10; De 25:5, 6, 11, 12.

Structure and Conservation of Family. 

In ancient Hebrew society the family was the basic unit.  The family was a small government; the father as head was responsible to God, and the mother was the subordinate manager over the children in the household. (Ac 2:29; Heb 7:4) 

The family was, in a small way, a reflection of the grand family of God.  God is represented in the Bible as a husband, with the “Jerusalem above” as the mother of his children.​—Ga 4:26; compare Isa 54:5.

The family in patriarchal times may be compared in some respects to the modern corporation.  There were some things owned by family members as personal.  But, for the most part, the property was held in common, with the father managing its disposal.  A wrong committed by a member of the family was considered as a wrong against the family itself, especially its head.  It brought reproach on him, and he was responsible, as the judge of the household, to take the necessary action on the matter.​—Ge 31:32, 34; Le 21:9; De 22:21; Jos 7:16-25.

Monogamy was the original standard Jehovah God set for the family.  Although polygamy was later practiced, polygamy was always against the original principle that God laid down.  However, He tolerated it until his due time to restore his original standard, which He has done in the Christian congregation. (1Ti 3:2; Ro 7:2, 3) 

Under the Law Covenant. 

In giving the Ten Commandments to Israel, God gave attention to the integrity of the family unit.  “Honor your father and your mother” is the fifth commandment, the first commandment with a promise. (De 5:16; Eph 6:2)   A child rebellious against his parents was as one rebellious against the governmental arrangement established by God as well as against God himself.  If he struck or cursed his father or mother, or if he proved to be incorrigibly unmanageable, he was to be put to death. (Ex 21:15, 17; Le 20:9; De 21:18-21)  Children were to have proper fear (respect) of their parents, and a child who treated his father or mother with contempt was cursed.​—Le 19:3; De 27:16.

The seventh commandment, “You must not commit adultery,” outlawed any sexual union of a married person with another outside the marriage bond. (Ex 20:14)  All children were to be family born.  An illegitimate son was not recognized, nor were his descendants allowed to become members of the congregation of Israel even to the tenth generation.​—De 23:2.

While the seventh commandment, in forbidding adultery, served to safeguard the family unit, the tenth commandment, by forbidding wrong desires, further protected the integrity of one’s own family as well as the other man’s house and family.  The things most common to family life were protected by this commandment, namely, house, wife, servants, animals, and other property.​—Ex 20:17.

Under the Law a careful record of genealogies was kept.  Family integrity was even more greatly emphasized by the matter of ancestral land inheritance. Genealogies were especially important in the family line of Judah and, later on, in the lineage of Judah’s descendant David.  Because of the promise that the Messiah the King would come through these families, the record of family relationship was zealously guarded.  And even though polygamy was not abolished by the Law, the family integrity was protected and its genealogy was kept intact by strict laws governing polygamy.  In no way was looseness or promiscuity legally tolerated.  Sons born of polygamy or concubinage were legitimate, full-fledged sons of the father.​—See CONCUBINE.

The Law specifically prohibited marriage alliances with the seven Canaanite nations that were to be ousted from the land. (De 7:1-4)  Because of failing to observe this command, the nation of Israel was ensnared in the idolatrous worship of false gods and finally brought into captivity by their enemies.  Solomon is an outstanding example of one who sinned in this respect. (Ne 13:26)  Ezra and Nehemiah undertook energetic reforms among those of the repatriated Israelites who were contaminating their families and Israel itself by marriage to foreign wives.​—Ezr 9:1, 2; 10:11; Ne 13:23-27.

When God sent his only-begotten Son 'Jesus' to earth he caused him to be born into a human family.  He provided that He have a God-fearing adoptive father and a loving mother.  Jesus as a child was subject to his parents and respected and obeyed them. (Lu 2:40, 51)  Even when he was dying on the cross (torture stake) he showed respect and loving care for his mother, who was apparently then a widow, when he said to her: “Woman, see!  Your son!” and to the disciple whom he loved: “See! Your mother!” thereby evidently directing this disciple to care for her in his own home.​—Joh 19:26, 27.

How does the Bible indicate the importance of the family in the Christian congregation?

In the Christian congregation (local church) the family is recognized as the basic unit of Christian society.  Much space is devoted in the Christian Greek Scriptures to instructions regarding family relationship.  Again, the man is dignified with the headship of the family, the wife being in subjection to her husband, managing the household under his general oversight. (1Co 11:3; 1Ti 2:11-15; 5:14)  Likening Jesus to the husband and family head over his congregational ‘wife,’ Paul admonishes husbands to exercise headship in love, and he counsels wives to respect and subject themselves to their husbands. (Eph 5:21-33)  Children are commanded to obey their parents, and fathers particularly are charged with the responsibility of bringing up the children in the discipline and mental-regulating of Jehovah (the Lord).​—Eph 6:1-4.

The man used as an overseer in the Christian congregation, if married, must exhibit high standards as a family head, presiding properly and having his children in subjection, these not being unruly or charged with debauchery, for, asks Paul: “If indeed any man does not know how to preside over his own household, how will he take care of God’s congregation? (local assembly)” the congregation being similar to a family. (1Ti 3:2-5; Tit 1:6)  

Wives are exhorted to love their husbands and children, to be workers at home, and to subject themselves to their own husbands.​—Tit 2:4, 5.

Jesus foretold that opposition to God’s truth would split families. (Mt 10:32-37; Lu 12:51-53)  

But the apostle Paul strongly admonished believers against breaking up the marriage relationship, appealing on the basis of the welfare of the unbelieving mate as well as of the children.  He stressed the great value of the family relationship when he pointed out that God views the young children as holy, even though the unbelieving mate has not been cleansed from his sins by faith in Christ.  The unbeliever may, in fact, be practicing some of the same things that Paul says some Christians had practiced before accepting the good news about the Christ. (1Co 7:10-16; 6:9-11)  The apostle also guards the unity of the Christian family by giving instructions to husbands and wives regarding the rendering of marriage dues (privileges and responsibilities).​—1Co 7:3-5.

"A woman's heart should be so close to God that a man should have to chase Him to find her." C.S. Lewis

Association in family relationships proved to be a blessing to many in connection with Christianity, “for, wife, how do you know but that you will save your husband? Or, husband, how do you know but that you will save your wife?” (1Co 7:16)  

This is also evidenced by the contents of the apostle Paul’s greetings to several households.  Some believers were privileged to use the family home as a place for the congregation to meet. (Ro 16:1-15)  The Christian missionary Philip was a family man, having four faithful Christian daughters.  He was blessed by being able to entertain the apostle Paul and his fellow workers for a time in his home in Caesarea. (Ac 21:8-10)  The Christian congregation itself is termed “God’s household.”  Its principal member and head is Jesus Christ, and this “household” recognizes him as the Seed by means of whom all the families of the earth will bless themselves.​—1Ti 3:15; Eph 2:19; Col 1:17, 18; Ge 22:18; 28:14.

The inspired Scriptures have foretold a vicious attack on the family institution with a consequent breaking down of morality and of human society outside the Christian congregation.  Paul classifies among demon-inspired doctrines in “later periods of time” that of “forbidding to marry.”  He foretells for “the last days” a condition in which disobedience to parents, disloyalty, and absence of “natural affection” would be rife, even among those “having a form of godly devotion.”  He warns Christians to turn away from such ones.​—1Ti 4:1-3; 2Ti 3:1-5.

Babylon the Great, the enemy of God’s “woman” (Ge 3:15; Ga 4:27) and of Christ’s “bride” (Re 21:9), is a great “harlot” organization, committing fornication with the kings of the earth.  Being “the mother of the harlots and of the disgusting things of the earth” indicates that her “daughters” are harlots, also that she causes great disregard for Jehovah God’s institutions and commandments, including his requirements that contribute to family integrity. (Re 17:1-6)  She has made efforts to induce others to harlotry and has succeeded in producing many ‘harlot’ daughters, with attempts being made to prevent Christ from having a clean “bride.”  Nevertheless, His “bride” comes through victorious, clean, righteous, worthy of being in Jehovah God’s “family” as the “wife” of Jesus Christ, to the blessing and rejoicing of all the universe.​—2Co 11:2, 3; Re 19:2, 6-8; see MARRIAGE and other family relationships under their respective names.

Even in families that are normally happy, from time to time there will be problems. This is because all of us are imperfect and do wrong things.  “We all stumble many times,” says the Bible. (James 3:2)  So marriage mates should not demand perfection from each other.  Instead, each should allow for the other’s mistakes. Therefore, neither mate should expect a perfectly happy marriage, since this is not possible for imperfect people to achieve. 

Of course, a husband and a wife will want to work at avoiding what irritates the other mate.  Yet no matter how hard they try, they will at times do things that upset the other.  How, then, should difficulties be handled?  The Bible’s counsel is: “Love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)  This means that mates who show love will not keep bringing up the mistakes the other has made.  Love says, in effect, ‘Yes, you made a mistake.  But so do I at times.  So I’ll overlook yours, and you may do the same for me.’—Proverbs 10:12; 19:11. 

When couples are willing to admit mistakes and try to correct them, many arguments and heartaches can be avoided.  Their goal should be to solve problems, not to win arguments.  Even if your mate is in the wrong, make it easier to solve the problem by being kind.  If you are at fault, humbly ask forgiveness.  Do not postpone it; handle the problem without delay. “Let the sun not set with you in a provoked state.”—Ephesians 4:26. 

Especially if you are a married person, you need to follow the rule of “keeping an eye, not in personal interest upon just your own matters, but also in personal interest upon those of the others.” (Philippians 2:4)  You need to obey the Bible command: “Clothe yourselves with the tender affections of compassion, kindness, lowliness of mind, mildness, and long-suffering.  Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely if anyone has a cause for complaint against another.  Even as Jehovah God freely forgave you, so do you also.  But, besides all these things, clothe yourselves with love, for it is a perfect bond of union.”—Colossians 3:12-14. 

Today many couples do not allow the counsel from God’s Word to help them work out their problems, and they seek a divorce.  Does God approve of divorce as a way to settle problems?  No, he does not. (Malachi 2:15, 16)  He meant marriage to be a lifelong arrangement. (Romans 7:2)  The Bible allows only one reason for getting a divorce that frees a person to remarry, and that is fornication (Greek, porneia, gross sexual immorality).  If fornication is committed, then the innocent mate may decide whether to get a divorce or not.—Matthew 5:32. 

What if your marriage mate has refused to study God’s Word with you, or even opposes your Christian activity?  The Bible still encourages you to stay with your mate and not to view separation as the easy way out of your problems.  Do what you personally can to improve the situation in your home by applying what the Bible says in regard to your own conduct.  In time, because of your Christian conduct, you may win over your mate. (1 Corinthians 7:10-16; 1 Peter 3:1, 2)  And what a blessing will be yours if your loving patience is rewarded in this way! 

Many family problems today involve the children.  What can be done if this is the case in your family?  First of all, as parents you need to set a good example.  This is because children are more inclined to follow what you do than what you say. And when your actions differ from your words, young ones are quick to see it.  

So, if you want your children to live fine, Christian lives, you yourself must set the example.—Romans 2:21, 22. 

Also, you need to reason with children.  It is not enough simply to tell youngsters: ‘I don’t want you to commit fornication, because it is wrong.’  They need to be shown that it is their Creator, Jehovah God, who says that such things as fornication are wrong and harmful. (Ephesians 5:3-5; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7)  

But even this is not enough.  Children also need to be helped to see why they should obey God’s laws, and how this will benefit them.  For example, you might draw your youngster’s attention to the wonderful way a human baby is formed by the union of a man’s sperm and a woman’s egg, and ask: ‘Don’t you think that the One who made possible this miracle of birth knows best how humans should use their God-given powers of reproduction?’ (Psalm 139:13-17)  Or you could ask: ‘Do you think that our Grand Creator would make a law to rob us of enjoyment in life?  Rather, should we not be happier if we obeyed his laws?’ 

Such questions can start your child reasoning on God’s law governing the use of the reproductive organs.  Welcome His views.  If your children are not what you desire them to be, do not get angry.  Try to understand that your child’s generation has drifted a long way from the righteous teachings in the Bible, and then try to show him why his generation’s immoral practices are unwise.  Perhaps you can draw your child’s attention to specific examples of where sexual immorality has led to illegitimate births, venereal diseases or other troubles.  In this way he is helped to see the reasonableness, correctness and benefit of what the Bible says. 

Especially can the Bible-based hope of living forever in Paradise on earth help us to make a success of family life.  Why so?  Because if we really want to live in God’s new earth system, we will try hard to live now as we hope to live then.  This means we will follow closely the instructions and guidance of God's Word.  As a result, God will crown our present happiness with the enjoyment of everlasting life and abundant happiness throughout the eternity that lies ahead. — Proverbs 3:11-18.

Teen years present us with the most questions and fewest answers of all stages in child rearing.  

Life itself is a great instructor, and often the natural consequences of behavior are the best teachers of the futility of rebellious ways.  It is positively harmful to continually shield people from the repercussions or consequences of their behavior.  The principle of Galatians 6:7-10 applies: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” 

Fear of teens harming themselves sometimes drives us to cushion their fall, but we thus unwittingly prolong their rebellion.  They need to learn that they can choose the kicks but they cannot choose the kickbacks.

Difficulty produces experience and maturity.  The Psalmist proved this, and records, “Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept Thy word” (Psalm 119:67).  He comments further, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn Thy statutes” (Ps 119:71).

On the other hand, there are occasions when we might gain their respect and appreciation by helping them out.  We need to remember that “By mercy and truth iniquity is purged” (Prov 16:6).  This may also involve accepting the decisions of older teens who are in the position to make their own choices.  We do not have to agree with decisions made, but accepting their decisions will show we respect their right to make choices.  They will be more willing to respect us if we respect them.

Furthermore, we must decide what are the absolute limits to which we are willing to bend our principles.  Once this is clear, we will be able to respond to our teen more rationally.  Questions often help us to plot our course better.

We might ask ourselves:

1. What principles do we consider cardinal and what are only personal preferences?
2. How much freedom can we allow without disrupting the household?
3. If we bend our principles, how will it affect our other children?
4. How much restriction can we place on our teens without hindering their personal development and independence?
5. If we press them to conform, will we drive them from our home and our lives?
6. Are we dealing with a young man or a young woman, and does that make a difference?
7. Can we live with the choices we make if something tragic happens?
8. Is it better that they rebel within the safety of the home or is it better if they have to make their way on their own?

These questions – and lots more – are worth asking.  Each home will have to look to the Lord for answers to questions that arise from their own unique situation.

Finally, we need to leave the door open to welcome a changed heart.  The father of the prodigal did not pursue his wayward son, but when he returned, he received him with open arms.  Teens should know that while their behavior is rejected, they are not.

Teen years are a stage of development - just a stage!  The majority of teens will settle down after these years pass.  This is not much comfort to those who are still dealing with a rebellious teen, yet it might give a little ray of hope.

As regards this subject, there are also special needs. There are single parents who have a hard enough time with daily living without the extra stresses of a rebellious teen.  They will need all the help we can give them.  It will mean sacrifice of time and energy, and sometimes the results will be disappointing.  Yet the Lord Jesus said, “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” (Matt 25:40).

There are also parents who, after many years, are still waiting for prodigals to “come home.”  We can only say that the Lord alone can sustain us when the burden is too heavy to bear.  The Psalmist said, “From the end of the earth will I cry unto Thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I” (Psalm 61:2).

He is still at work in the lives of our loved ones.  Every creature is under His watchful eye. “Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God” (Luke 12:6)?  He is working for the salvation of every soul, “God will have all men to be saved,” and for the wellbeing of every wayward believer.  We must trust Him to work uniquely in our children's lives as He is working uniquely in ours.  The teen years are often the most turbulent in a lifetime, but the One who calmed the stormy seas and brought peace to the hearts of fearful disciples can do the same for us in our day.

Galatians 6:1-5 "Brothers and sisters, if a person is discovered in some sin, you who are spiritual restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness. Pay close attention to yourselves, so that you are not tempted too. Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.  Let each one examine his own work. Then he can take pride in himself and not compare himself with someone else.  For each one will carry his own load." 

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