When I was young, I thought every family was just like mine.

Then I had my first sleepover. Everything seemed familiar—my friends also had to brush their teeth before bed, and we weren’t allowed to stay up any later than I could at home. But in the morning, I was horrified to discover that my breakfast wasn’t milk and cereal, but warm oatmeal with fruit piled on top. When I shared this shocking news with my mom, she laughed and told me that not every family eats the same food for breakfast.

As I grew up, I learned more about how each family is unique. I grew to appreciate the differences I saw—from breakfast food choices to family traditions to cultural backgrounds to favorite hobbies and pastimes. And I realized how God’s creativity and care is expressed in the way he shapes our lives and experiences.

Your family is unique, but there is one thing you have in common with every other family: a need for God’s guiding Word.

The Bible teaches us how to love our spouse, how to honor our parents, how to teach our children, and how to glorify God in our home. Through the Bible, each of your family members can grow in wisdom, hope, and love. And, by making time for God’s Word in your lives, you can keep Jesus Christ at the center of your home.

Here are four Bible verses that can help you guide your family with God’s Word.

Start and end with God’s Word.

No matter how busy your days become, you can grow your family’s walk with God by making time for God’s Word. Prioritize reading the Bible together and reflecting on what you learn. Seek to obey God’s commandments in your home. Ask God to help you keep the Bible at the heart of your family.

[God said:] “Be sure that the book of the Law is always read in your worship. Study it day and night, and make sure that you obey everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

Joshua 1:8 GNT

Treat your home like a spiritual training ground for your children.

Think of all the things you teach your children: how to walk; how to eat with utensils instead of their hands; how to do chores; how to play with others; how to express their emotions in a healthy way. Your home is also where your children learn what it means to live out the Bible’s message. By ensuring that your children are engaging with Scripture and growing in their knowledge of God, you help them learn the biblical values that will guide the rest of their lives.

Teach children how they should live, and they will remember it all their life.

Proverbs 22:6 GNT

Think of your family as a “little church.”

St. John Chrysostom once called households “little churches.” While the Bible teaches us that churches and families have different roles, we can learn how to glorify God in our homes by following some of the Bible’s advice for the church. Some ideas include having a family Bible study, learning Scripture-inspired songs together, and regularly praying with each other. By thinking of your family as a “little church,” you can keep your family focused on God’s Word.

Christ’s message in all its richness must live in your hearts. Teach and instruct one another with all wisdom. Sing psalms, hymns, and sacred songs; sing to God with thanksgiving in your hearts. Everything you do or say, then, should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks through him to God the Father.

Colossians 3:16-17 GNT

Trust that God will bless your family.

God delights in our obedience and promises to reward us when we follow his commandments. As you guide your family with God’s Word, you can find encouragement in Scripture passages like Psalm 128. This psalm of blessing is for the whole family—father, mother, and children—and paints a beautiful picture of God’s faithfulness passed down through generations. Keep this vision in mind as you seek to engage your family with Scripture!

Happy are those who obey the LORD,
who live by his commands.

Your work will provide for your needs;
you will be happy and prosperous.
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine in your home,
and your children will be like young olive trees around your table.
A man who obeys the LORD
will surely be blessed like this.

May the LORD bless you from Zion!
May you see Jerusalem prosper
all the days of your life!
May you live to see your grandchildren!

Peace be with Israel!

Psalm 128 GNT