The Incredibles: Strong Families Fight With Each Other, Not Against Each Other
5 Day Devotional
This five day devotional will be taking a deeper dive into the sermon from Sunday, July 19, 2026. We will explore the powerful theme of family unity and interdependence, drawing inspiration from the story of The Incredibles and insights from Ephesians 5 and 6. Join us each day as we reflect on how we can stop hiding and start fighting for each other within our families.
Day 1
Ephesians 5:21
Today, we begin our journey by looking at the foundational call to mutual submission within our families. For a family to truly function as a unit, it needs to embrace the concept of mutual submission, where each family member uses their strengths to support one another rather than compete. In The Incredibles movie, the family's power lies in their ability to work together, overcoming their individual insecurities to fight for each other.
Reflect on how your family dynamics mirror these challenges. Are there hidden powers within your family members that you have yet to fully appreciate and support? Understand that the true enemy is not the external pressures but the internal barriers blocking connection and collaboration.
Do you recognize areas of your life where you are hiding from your loved ones?
In what ways can you demonstrate mutual submission to your family?
How can your family's unique strengths be unified to achieve common goals?
Pray for eyes to see the hidden strengths in your family members.
Ask for guidance in practicing submission and support towards each other.
Day 2
Ephesians 5:25-28
Paul implores husbands to love their wives as Christ loves the church, demonstrating a sacrificial love that prioritizes the wellbeing of the other. This passage challenges us to go beyond hierarchical views of family roles and reminds us that leadership in Christ’s model is marked by humility and service.
Consider how this sacrificial love can transform your family dynamics. Just as Christ’s love is active and giving, we are called to embody this love within our homes. It isn't about control; it’s about partnership and building one another up in trusted love.
How can you practice sacrificial love in your familial relationships?
What practical steps can you take to prioritize your family’s well-being?
In what ways can you lead through service rather than authority in your home?
Seek God’s help in loving your family as Christ loves.
Pray for a renewed spirit of sacrificial love and service within your home.
Day 3
Ephesians 6:1-4
This passage underscores the importance of nurturing our children in the Lord while encouraging obedience and respect. Both parents and children bear responsibilities in fostering a loving and understanding home environment. It highlights the danger of provoking children to frustration and emphasizes guidance with love.
How can you foster an environment where children feel valued and heard? Just as Violet and Dash in The Incredibles struggled with feeling unseen, many children today feel the same. This calls us to actively listen and support their God-given gifts, ensuring our homes become spaces of growth and safety.
Reflect on whether your parenting style exasperates or encourages your children.
How can you help your children discover and nurture their gifts?
What steps can you take to create a more loving and patient home environment?
Ask for discernment in understanding your children's needs.
Pray for patience and compassion in parenting.
Day 4
Colossians 3:12-14
Paul exhorts us to clothe ourselves with virtues like compassion, kindness, and patience. This spiritual wardrobe transforms our relationships, promoting unity and love above all. By putting on these virtues intentionally, our families become a source of strength and support rather than conflict.
Just like in The Incredibles, when strengths are coordinated and hearts are aligned, families thrive. The question then becomes: "Who are we fighting for?" This devotion is an invitation to prioritize loving actions that foster togetherness and communion in your family.
How can you actively "clothe" yourself in these virtues daily?
What changes in your behavior can help unify your family?
What steps can you take to promote forgiveness and understanding in your home?
Pray for strength to embody these virtues tirelessly.
Ask for the grace to bind your family in perfect unity through love.
Day 5
John 19:26-27
Even from the cross, Jesus formed a new family, uniting His mother Mary with His disciple John. This act of profound love and foresight demonstrates that family extends beyond bloodlines. As we conclude this devotional, consider the love that forms and reforms families, guided by divine purpose and hope.
How can this passage inspire you to build and nurture your family today? Reflect on the new beginnings and relationships God is calling you to invest in, grounded in cross-shaped love that never ceases to fight for those we hold dear.
Consider Jesus's actions towards His family on the cross—what does that mean for you?
What relationships in your life require a deeper commitment and love?
How can you invite Jesus to transform and build your family's foundation?
Thank Jesus for the example of family He showed from the cross.
Seek His guidance in forming connections that reflect His love and sacrifice.