As you find yourself raising a family in the UK, you can learn from families like the Rahmans about the importance of building a Christ-centered home that nurtures faith across generations.
By Dr. Tim Orr
In the heart of a bustling Bengali neighborhood in Kolkata, the Rahman family would gather every night for family devotions. As they sat together, parents, grandparents, and children would share stories from the Bible, pray, and sing songs of praise. The warmth of their home wasn’t just from the food they shared but from the love of Christ that filled their hearts. As you raise a family in the UK, you can learn from families like the Rahmans about the importance of building a Christ-centered home that nurtures faith across generations.
Discipleship begins at home, and creating a Christ-centered environment for your family is crucial for growing in faith. Just like the Rahman family prioritized reading the Bible together, you can make God’s Word the foundation of your home. Set aside time for family devotions, whether reading a Bible story with your children before bed or discussing a sermon after church. Regularly engaging with Scripture, you help your family understand its teachings and apply them to daily life.
Children often learn by observing their parents. As parents and elders, it’s important to model a life of faith. Show kindness, practice forgiveness, and demonstrate humility in your daily interactions. Your actions speak louder than words and provide a powerful example for your children. In Bengali culture, respect for elders is deeply ingrained, and this respect can be a foundation for teaching and discipleship in your home.
Creating an environment where family members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, asking questions, and expressing doubts is key to building a strong faith. The Rahman family always made time to discuss their faith openly. These conversations can happen around the dinner table, during a walk, or in the car. Open dialogue helps each family member grow in their understanding of God and builds a stronger bond of trust and love.
Faith isn’t just for Sundays; it’s for every day. Integrate Christian principles into your daily routines, just as the Rahmans did. Pray before meals, thank God for the day's blessings, and discuss how biblical teachings apply to the challenges you face. By weaving faith into everyday activities, you show that following Christ is a continuous journey.
Serving others as a family is another powerful way to live out your faith. Find opportunities to serve others, whether volunteering at a local shelter, helping a neighbor, or participating in a church outreach. Serving together strengthens your family bond and teaches the importance of living out your faith in practical ways.
Embrace your unique identity as a Bengali Christian. The Rahman family celebrated their Bengali heritage while living out their Christian faith. Celebrate your cultural traditions and incorporate them into your faith practices. Whether through music, dance, or food, find ways to honor your heritage while glorifying God. This creates a unique expression of faith that reflects your culture and love for Christ.
Just as the Rahman family’s home was filled with love, laughter, and the presence of God, your home can be a sanctuary of faith in the UK. By building a Christ-centered home, you nurture a faith that grows across generations, honoring your Bengali heritage and commitment to Jesus.
The ideas in the blog are mine, but AI assisted in this writing.