Biblical Answer

Can I Really Not Have a Family?

The Biblical Perspective

The Bible teaches that marriage and family are sacred institutions created by God. In Genesis 2:24, we read, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." This passage emphasizes the importance of leaving one's family of origin to form a new family with one's spouse. In Ephesians 5:31, we are reminded that marriage is a symbol of the relationship between Christ and His church. Therefore, the biblical ideal is that a man and a woman should leave their parents and start a new family together.

The Problem of Over-Commitment

However, the Bible also warns against over-commitment to one's family of origin. In Ephesians 5:28, we are told that husbands should love their wives as Christ loves the church, and in 1 Corinthians 7:3-5, we are reminded that wives should not refuse their husbands sexual intimacy. This means that husbands and wives should prioritize their relationship with each other over their relationships with their parents. In fact, the Bible warns against allowing one's family of origin to dominate one's marriage (Matthew 10:37). If we are too focused on pleasing our parents, we may neglect our responsibilities to our spouse and children.

The Reality of Family

In reality, not everyone will have a traditional family. Some people may be single, others may be divorced or widowed, and others may struggle with infertility. However, this does not mean that they cannot have a family. The Bible teaches that family is not just about biology, but also about spiritual relationships (Matthew 12:48-50). We can have a family in Christ, made up of fellow believers who become like family to us. In this sense, everyone can have a family, even if they do not have a traditional nuclear family. Ultimately, the question of whether we can have a family is not about biology or demographics, but about our spiritual relationships and priorities. As we prioritize our relationship with God and our fellow believers, we can build a family that reflects God's love and redemption.