Family members know that they need to give and not simply take. Caring for the welfare of other family members is essential to the welfare and growth of family life. Commitment to the family involves prioritizing how individual members are using their time, dropping less important agendas and adjusting schedules to include the family. A relationship inventory that assesses family satisfaction in communication, shared interests, spiritual life, recreation, service to others, feeling loved and respected, money management and sharing family responsibilities can be used to determine which areas need more attention and which can be celebrated as satisfying and strong. There is no better foundation for commitment than the love of God in Christ that forgives, frees and renews us.
Healthy families speak and listen to one another in ways that convey respect, trust and openness.
They are willing to work through conflicts and hurts. None of this can happen without taking time to express to others that they are worthy of the time to stop, speak, listen and carefully respond. In our fragmented lives, it is critical to identify the holy ground where we can intently listen and speak. Perhaps it is mealtime, car time, bedtime, lap time with a child or some other memory-making occasion. We need to name those occasions where meaningful conversations take place, claim them as God's gifts and return to them again and again.