The language of the Bible is the language of family

by Merle Shenk

“God sets the solitary in families; He brings out those who are bound into prosperity; But the rebellious dwell in a dry land” (Psalm 68:6).

God, in His infinite wisdom, designed us to live in deep and meaningful connections. His intention for family—a man and a woman united in covenant with the capacity to bring forth new life—was His foundational structure for multiplying, subduing, and stewarding the earth. Notice that God did not create a task force or committee to oversee creation. He established the family as His model. Throughout Scripture, this family language is clear. From the patriarchs of the Old Testament—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—to the New Testament, where we are called brothers and sisters in Christ, God weaves family language into His divine purposes.

The language of the Bible is the language of family. Paul often refers to himself as a spiritual parent. He identifies Timothy as his son in the faith and speaks of nurturing the Thessalonians as a mother cherishes her children. This image is not incidental; it reflects God’s heart. As believers, we are not merely a collective of individuals pursuing God independently. We are a spiritual family, connected by bonds far deeper than any transactional relationship.

Spiritual Parenthood in Leadership

In DOVE International, we emphasize the call for leaders to serve as spiritual fathers and mothers. This model of leadership goes beyond positional authority or task management to the leader’s desire to genuinely seek the well-being of others. Leaders who embrace the role of spiritual parents carry a grace that reflects God’s fatherly and motherly care. They guide, correct, encourage, and protect not out of obligation but out of love for the spiritual family entrusted to them.

We have witnessed the fruitfulness of this approach. Leaders who have served faithfully are now transitioning their responsibilities to the next generation within the context of family. The generational blessing flows seamlessly when leaders transition their roles as spiritual parents while maintaining their legacy of wisdom, spiritual gifts, and love. They move from carrying the responsibility of leadership to becoming an invaluable resource of insight and mentorship, a circle of resource for the family of faith.

A Model for Generational Honor

Drawing from God’s design for natural families, we see a parallel in spiritual leadership. Just as parents become grandparents and great-grandparents, retaining honor and love while relinquishing certain responsibilities, so it is in the body of Christ. The weight of decision-making and governance shifts to new leaders, who in turn also embrace their new roles with a parental heart for the spiritual family. This intergenerational collaboration brings strength, stability, and continuity. This is the beauty of God’s design for spiritual family.

The Ten Commandments remind us of the promise attached to honoring our fathers and mothers: “…that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth” (Ephesians 6:2–3). Honoring spiritual parents not only brings personal blessing but also releases generational blessing to the entire body of Christ. This principle is rooted in the truth that God thinks in terms of generations. He doesn’t see us as isolated individuals but as part of a continuum of faith stretching back to Abraham.

The Legacy of Faith

When we honor the faith of those who have gone before us, we are grafted into a divine lineage of blessing. Deuteronomy 5:9–10 beautifully illustrates this principle: while the sins of the fathers may have consequences for a few generations, the blessings of those who love the Lord extend to a thousand generations. This is the inheritance we step into when we align ourselves with what God has done through the lives of spiritual leaders in the past.

But what about the imperfections, sins, or failures of those who have led before us? Abraham, for instance, was far from perfect, yet Scripture highlights his faith rather than his flaws. This teaches us to discern the “God part” of what He is doing in someone’s life. Paul encapsulates this truth in 1 Corinthians 11:1. “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” We are called to follow the Christlikeness in our leaders, not their personalities, opinions, or mistakes.

Moving Forward in Blessing

Good leaders and spiritual parents always connect us to God’s purposes, not themselves. Their faith, obedience, and alignment with God’s will serve as a foundation for us to build upon. As we honor this heritage of faith, we partake in the rich blessings of a thousand generations.

Let us walk together as a spiritual family—embracing the wisdom of the past, the vitality of the present, and the promise of the future. As we live in honor, we experience the fullness of the blessing God intended for His family on earth.

MORE about Spiritual Fathers and Mothers

You are meant to be a mentor. You probably have more “friends” than ever—once you tally up all your social networking connections. But virtual relationships alone can’t meet the Church’s desperate need for spiritually mature women and men to mentor younger believers to be faithful servants of Christ. Learn more in Larry Kreider’s book, The Cry for Spiritual Fathers and Mothers.

Available in audiobook