Stepchildren and Stepparents in the Bible

Introduction Blended families are not a new phenomenon; they have existed throughout history, including in biblical times. The Bible, while not always directly addressing stepfamilies, provides numerous principles and examples that can guide stepchildren and stepparents today. This sermon will explore the dynamics of blended families through three main points: the example of blended families in the Bible, the principles of love and acceptance, and the call to unity and forgiveness.

Main Points

Examples of Blended Families in the Bible

Scripture References: Genesis 16:1-4: "Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian slave named Hagar; so she said to Abram, 'The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her.' Abram agreed to what Sarai said. So after Abram had been living in Canaan ten years, Sarai his wife took her Egyptian slave Hagar and gave her to her husband to be his wife. He slept with Hagar, and she conceived."Genesis 21:9-10: "But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking, and she said to Abraham, 'Get rid of that slave woman and her son, for that woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac.'"Matthew 1:18-25: "This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.'"

Key Points: Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar: The story of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar highlights the complexities and challenges of blended family dynamics, particularly when it comes to issues of jealousy and favoritism.

Joseph and Jesus: Joseph’s acceptance of Jesus as his son, despite the unusual circumstances, sets a powerful example of love, obedience, and responsibility in a blended family context.

Application: Stepparents should strive to accept and love their stepchildren unconditionally, as Joseph did with Jesus.Blended families should recognize and address the unique challenges they face, seeking guidance and strength from God to navigate these complexities.

Principles of Love and Acceptance

Scripture References: Ephesians 6:4: "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."Colossians 3:21: "Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged."1 Corinthians 13:4-7: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

Key Points: Patience and Kindness: The biblical definition of love includes patience and kindness, essential qualities for stepparents and stepchildren alike.

Avoiding Bitterness: Stepparents are called to avoid behaviors that could embitter or discourage their stepchildren, fostering an environment of support and encouragement.

Application: Stepparents should actively demonstrate love through patience, kindness, and understanding, recognizing the potential difficulties stepchildren may face.Stepchildren are encouraged to respond with respect and openness, striving to build positive relationships with their stepparents.

Unity and Forgiveness

Scripture References: Psalm 133:1: "How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!"Matthew 18:21-22: "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'"Romans 12:18: "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."

Key Points: Seeking Unity: The Bible emphasizes the importance of living together in unity, a principle that applies powerfully to blended families.

Forgiveness: Forgiveness is crucial in maintaining harmony within a family. Both stepparents and stepchildren must be willing to forgive past hurts and work towards reconciliation.

Application: Blended families should prioritize unity, seeking ways to build strong, cohesive relationships through shared activities, open communication, and mutual respect.Practicing forgiveness can help heal wounds and pave the way for deeper, more meaningful connections within the family.

Conclusion The Bible provides timeless principles and examples that can guide blended families today. By embracing love, acceptance, unity, and forgiveness, stepchildren and stepparents can navigate their unique challenges and build strong, godly families. Let us commit to following these biblical principles, seeking God's guidance and strength in our family relationships.

Prayer Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of family. Help us to love and accept one another as You have loved and accepted us. Grant us the patience and kindness to navigate the complexities of blended families, and the grace to forgive and seek unity. May our families reflect Your love and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.