An exegesis of the word family reveals its origin.

"And the rib which the Lord God has taken from the man, made he woman and brought her unto the man.  And Adam said this is now bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called woman because she was taken out of man.  Therefore shall a man leave his father and mother and shall cleave unto his wife, and they shall be one flesh".  Genesis 2:22-24.

The preceding account of the creation of woman also initiates the beginning of the first human family.  The family relationship is the institution of God lying at the foundation of all human society.  As long as there exists a covenant relationship with God, the family will exist and prosper.  Taking heed to God's commandments will assure that the family will continue to be the heartbeat of our society.

The Apostles John and Paul give specific directions to each member of the family as to how they are to conduct themselves as members of an earthly and spiritual family:

Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loves the Church.  Ephesians 5:25.

Wives are to submit themselves to their own husbands as unto the Lord.  Ephesians 5:22; ... and to be sober, love their children, be discreet, chaste and keepers at home.  Titus 2:45.

Children are to obey their parents in the Lord, for this is right.  Ephesians 6:1-2.

Fathers are not supposed to provoke their children to wrath.  Ephesians 5:4.

Fathers must stand and be the head of the family as God has ordained, and guide it with Godly fear.  He must take his family to church rather than send them.

Mothers must guide the house and teach their daughters to be the epitome of themselves.

Children must honor their mothers and fathers.

If these commandments are kept in tact, through obedience, the family - that close-knit group of individuals guided by God - will be and continue to be pleasing and acceptable in God's sight.  Though a family may become separated physically by distance, it will always be close by in spirit.  The family occupies a prominent place throughout the Holy Scriptures and is the first form of society.

May God bless the family to continue to be representative of every fellowship of mankind.