The gospel of Jesus Christ blesses families

I told my mom recently what a wonderful childhood I had, growing up in our family. She said, “I hope so.”

I know. Some days go better than others. Sometimes kids bother each other. Sometimes there isn’t enough money to have all that you want.

But most of the time, mom and dad worked hard, with commitment and love, day in and day out, for the care and benefit of us children. Most of the time, we enjoyed the bounty our parents provided to us. Most of the time, our family prayed and worshiped God together. And most of the time, our family life was filled with a tender peace, constant love, and joy from the Holy Spirit.

The family is central to Heavenly Father’s purposes. We are God’s children, and He is our father. Our own families are important to Him, and will be vital to us forever.

What could make your family life better?

When my husband and I had been married several years, a leader in our church spoke to the “husbands and fathers.” He encouraged them to be more kind to their wives and children. I remember noticing a new level of care and consideration from my husband as he responded to this invitation to follow Jesus Christ.

As we follow Jesus, love and light flow into our families.

Thierry K. Mutombo grew up in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He describes the transformation that came to his family when they found the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

Mutombo’s parents were born in a smaller village and moved to the city. Their family consisted of his parents, two sisters, himself and a cousin—living in a small house.

“I was wondering if we were truly a family,” he says. His father wanted the kids out of the house as soon as he returned home from work. The children were not permitted to eat dinner at the same table as their parents, and the parents argued loudly late into the night. “Our home was not only small in size, but it was a dark place,” he observed.

The Mutombo family attended different churches every Sunday, seeking something “the world could not provide.” This continued until they met with missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“I noticed that something started to change in our family. After our baptism, we truly started to progressively have a new lifestyle because of the restored gospel. The words of Christ began to enlarge our souls. The size of our home did not change; neither did our social conditions. But I witnessed a change of heart in my parents as we prayed daily, morning and evening. We studied the Book of Mormon [scripture that testifies of Jesus Christ by prophets of Ancient America]; we held family home evening; we truly became a family. Every Sunday we woke up at 6:00 a.m. to prepare to go to church, and we would travel for hours to attend Church meetings every week without complaining. It was a wonderful experience to witness. We, who had previously walked in darkness, chased darkness from among us” (Thierry K. Mutombo, “Ye Shall Be Free”).

God ordained us to live in families; they are the most essential social unit today and in eternity. God established families to bring happiness to His children, allow them to learn correct principles in a loving atmosphere, and prepare them for eternal life. A home based on Christian principles can be a place of refuge and safety. The Spirit of the Lord can abide in our homes, blessing family members with peace, joy, and happiness.

Mutambo compares the miraculous change in their family life to the miracle of Christ healing the blind man at the pool of Siloam: “… One thing [that] I know [is] that, whereas I was blind, now I [can] see” (John 9:11, 25). We also were blind and can now see.”

Jesus Christ is the light that shines in darkness. Those who follow Him “shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12).

It doesn’t matter what your family looks like or how well they are doing--the gospel of Jesus Christ will bring more light and love to your family.

Beth Wright loves her family and loves the blessings the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ have brought to them. She is thankful to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.