The concept of family relationships in Heaven often sparks curiosity and deep reflection. The idea of “Being with You and Our Family is Heaven” encapsulates a profound truth about the eternal nature of familial bonds. When we transition to our glorified bodies and the New Earth, our history remains intact, and our earthly family ties are not erased but rather transformed and enriched.
In Heaven, our family relationships will be more profound and harmonious. My daughters will always be my daughters, and my grandchildren will always be my grandchildren. However, our primary identity will be as children of God. Heaven will be a vast, joyous family where every member is a friend, and every friend is a family member. We will maintain our relationships with our earthly relatives, but we will also form new, meaningful connections with others.
The Apostle Paul expressed his longing to see the Thessalonians, highlighting the joy he found in God’s presence because of other believers. He looked forward to the day when Jesus would return with all His holy ones, emphasizing the anticipation of being with Jesus and His people. This sentiment underscores the deep, spiritual connections that transcend biological ties.
Jesus Himself redefined family when He said, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice” (Luke 8:19-21). This statement illustrates that devotion to God creates bonds that surpass earthly family relationships. Jesus also promised that those who follow Him would gain new family members—brothers, sisters, mothers, and children—highlighting the expansive nature of God’s family.
For those who couldn’t have children or were separated from their children on Earth, Heaven offers the promise of fulfilling relationships. Trustworthy parental figures will abound, reflecting the love of our heavenly Father. In Heaven, no one will be left out, and every encounter will be with a family member. While we may be closer to some than others, there will be no rivalry, envy, or grudges. Our relationships will be rich and harmonious, free from the pain and brokenness that many experience on Earth.
The question of marriage in Heaven often arises, especially in light of Jesus’ response to the Sadducees. They tried to trap Him with a question about a woman who had seven husbands, asking whose wife she would be in the resurrection. Jesus replied that people would neither marry nor be given in marriage in the resurrection but would be like the angels in Heaven (Matthew 22:30).
This passage has led to misunderstandings. Some fear they will miss the intimacy of marriage in Heaven. However, the Bible teaches that there will be one marriage in Heaven—between Christ and His bride, the Church. Earthly marriage is a reflection of this ultimate union. Once we reach Heaven, the signpost of earthly marriage becomes unnecessary. The marriage to Christ will be so fulfilling that it will surpass even the most wonderful earthly marriage.
The joy of marriage in Heaven will be magnified by the character and love of our bridegroom, Jesus. I believe that my wife and I will remain close friends, and our family relationships will be deepened and enriched. The promise of reunion with loved ones who have gone ahead brings immense comfort. The best of our earthly relationships will be even better in Heaven, where things will never again take a turn for the worse.
Billy Graham often addressed the question of recognizing and reuniting with loved ones in Heaven. He affirmed that we will indeed know and be reunited with our family members. Jesus, in His resurrected body, was recognized by His followers. When He was transfigured, Moses and Elijah appeared with Him, and the disciples recognized them despite never having seen them before. These examples give us hope that we will know those we knew on Earth and even others we’ve never met.
The question of infants in Heaven also arises. Graham had no doubt that they would be there, citing God’s nature as a God of hope and salvation. King David expressed confidence that he would go to his deceased infant son, and Jesus spoke of many coming from the east and west to join the feast with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of Heaven.
The writer of Hebrews speaks of Jesus bringing many sons to glory, emphasizing that both He who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers, highlighting the familial nature of our relationship with Him.
The concept of “sad heaven” arises when loved ones leave the faith, leading to the fear that they won’t be seen or interacted with in the afterlife. This idea can cause unnecessary sadness and strain relationships. However, the doctrine of Heaven should be framed correctly. The emphasis on temple sealing ordinances is crucial for exaltation, but it does not mean that we won’t see our loved ones who were not faithful.
President Eyring shared counsel from a prophet, advising that we should live worthy of the celestial kingdom and trust that family arrangements will be more wonderful than we can imagine. Heaven is not a place of sadness but of joy and fulfillment. We should love our family members where they are spiritually and trust in God’s plan for our eternal happiness.
In conclusion, the promise of being with our family in Heaven is a source of immense hope and joy. Our relationships will be transformed and enriched, free from the pain and brokenness of this world. Heaven will be a place of eternal family love, where every encounter is with a beloved family member.
