The Bible isn’t an instruction manual for how to have a family. But if you read it carefully, you’ll find that God does have a lot to say about families. Like how to build one, how to strengthen one, and how to keep one from falling apart.

The book of Proverbs is packed with it. There’s wisdom in there for moms, for dads, for grandparents, and for kids. God cares about what happens inside your house. He knows it takes a lot of love and attention and care to build a good family.

Here’s something that might surprise you: YOU are one of the builders. A lot of kids think the family is something the grown-ups build while the kids just live in it. But that’s not true! So, what can you do? Every time you tell the truth instead of covering something up, you’re adding a strong beam. Every time you’re kind to a brother or sister (even when they’re being annoying), you’re laying a brick. Every time you help without being asked, or apologize first, or refuse to keep a fight going, you’re building a stronger family.

A great home doesn’t come from having the nicest furniture or the biggest yard or the fastest internet. It comes from every member of the family working together to build something special—for each other and for God. It’s not going to be perfect, because every family is made up of people who mess up. But that’s not a reason to give up. It’s a reason to keep asking God for wisdom, to keep loving one another, and to keep building!

Take Action: Pick one part of your family to build up this week. Ask yourself, “Where does my family have the hardest time?” Maybe it’s mornings before school. Maybe it’s how you and a sibling talk to each other. Maybe it’s screen time. Now choose one small thing you can do to make it better (not something you’ll ask someone else to change, something you’ll do). Get up when your alarm goes off the first time. Let your sister pick the show. Do the chore before someone reminds you.