Traditionally, a family is widely considered by society to consist of a father, mother and children. However, modernity and civilization have inflicted a lot of damage on the institution of the family in Africa, leading to a loss of identity by the youth or younger generations as the much-celebrated traditional family bonds are fast being abandoned with a perception that they are uncivilized, not compatible with post-modern society or even not Christian enough.

This has led to irresponsible and perverse behaviours among family members regarding freedoms to divorce, same-sex marriages, and misguided feminine emancipation campaigns. All these leave a hurting family that lives in a state of hopelessness, resulting in lawlessness, substance abuse, depression, suicide, pornography and prostitution. This is affecting children and would-be parents alike.

The Church in Africa must arise and take its rightful place in mentoring families in God’s divine principles. This will, in turn, produce families that are strong and who will leave a good legacy that will positively impact the generations to come—psalm 103:17. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His to children’s children, to such as keep His covenant, and to those who remember His commandments to do them.