Ellen Chat Conversation

Ellen White described the family as a **"sacred circle"** (1NL 95) and a **"domestic circle"** (7T 50.2) where the **"truth of God, the wisdom of righteousness, presides"** (CCh 89.1). She viewed the home as the primary place for character development and the practice of **"home religion"** (13MR 81.2). In her writings, the family is presented as a private and protected unit. She taught that around every family there is a sacred circle, which should be kept unbrokenand that **"within this circle no other person has a right to come"** (1NL 95). This circle is the foundation of social and spiritual life, where the character will manifest itselfthrough the looks, the tone of the voice, the actionsof its members (7T 50.2). The spiritual atmosphere of the family is of utmost importance. Ellen White emphasized that **"there can never be true prosperity to any soul in the family circle unless the truth of God... presides"** (CCh 89.1). She taught that the Word of God should be the counselor in every difficultyand the standard of every practicewithin the home (CG 509.3). For a family to be truly successful, **"the power of the truth must be a sanctifying agency in the home"** (CCh 89.1). Relationships within the family are built on mutual respect and kindness. She wrote that children should respect and reverence their parentswhile **"parents should be kind and affectionate toward their children"** (13MR 81.2). Every member of the family has a responsibility to **"seek to make one another happy"** (13MR 81.2). She warned that **"meetinghouse religion has no value when there is an absence of home religion"** (13MR 81.2). Ellen White also recognized the physical and hereditary aspects of the family. She referred to the **"family relation"** (7T 50.2) and noted how health characteristics can be passed down, such as in a **"consumptive family"** (DG 190.1). She advised that individuals should feel deeply the need of care in this matter of connecting our interest with those whose blood is taintedby disease (DG 190.1), suggesting that family identity includes a shared physical heritage and a responsibility for health. For practical application, this means that our most important work for Christ often begins at home. We need not go to heathen landsto serve God if our duty lies within the **"narrow circle of the home"** (SC 81.3). By bringing the **"knowledge of the word... into practical life"** (7T 50.2), family members can purify, comfort, and encourage one another, creating an environment where the service of God is not seen as a burden but as a blessing. In conclusion, a family is a divinely protected association where spiritual principles are lived out in daily interactions, molding the character of each member for this life and the next. --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What did Ellen White mean by the term "home religion"? • How can parents maintain the "sacred circle" of the family? • What is the connection between family life and spiritual prosperity? --- 📚 **thousands of passages found** containing these search terms — [Explore in Full-Text Search](/advanced-search?q=what+is+a+family)

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Ellen White defined the family as the closest, the most tender and sacredtie on earth (MH 356.4). She viewed it as a **"sacred ordinance, guarded by His holy precept"** (CCh 133), designed to be a blessing to mankind when entered into intelligently and in the fear of God. The family consists of husband, wife, and children united in holy wedlock. The father is **"bound to his family by sacred, holy ties"** (5MR 293.3), while children are regarded as **"a sacred trust, to be carefully trained for the Lord"** (18MR 121.3). The family's purpose is to rear members who will be **"recognized as members of the family above"** (1MCP 220.5). In essence: The family is God's sacred institution where husband, wife, and children are united to bless one another and prepare for eternal life. --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What responsibilities did Ellen White outline for fathers and mothers in the family? • How did she describe the spiritual atmosphere that should exist in the home? • What counsel did she give about training children for God? --- 📚 **thousands of passages found** containing these search terms — [Explore in Full-Text Search](/advanced-search?q=a+concise+definition+%5BContext%3A+marriage+family+husband+wife+CG+509.3+DG+190.1+SC+81.3%5D)

Belonging to the family of God means being adopted as "sons and daughters" (TR 27.1) of the heavenly King, united by a shared divine nature and Christlike love --- 📚 **thousands of passages found** containing these search terms — [Explore in Full-Text Search](/advanced-search?q=What+does+it+mean+to+belong+to+the+family+of+God+-+a+concise+definition)