Ohana and the Gospel: Biblical Truths in Lilo & Stitch



    Anyone that knows me, knows how much I love Stitch. They may not truly know the real reason behind my love for the weird alien creature that is bent on destruction until he finds his "family", but I have a reason. The reason is the Ohana phrase and what it signifies to me. After being rejected by many in my life and feeling defeated and feeling out of control in many areas of my life, this phrase hits home for me. To me Ohana means the world - a once lonely girl - who found Jesus and he is my everything- my family. He never ever leaves me behind and has been the only constant thing in my life - through the thick and the thin. He never judges, never leaves, and never walks away. To me this is significant, because I have been trying to fill what was already filled all along. The deep longing that I was searching and trying to fill with everything else that one could, is only and already filled from Him. I just had not fully realized it until recently, and though I forget sometimes, he is there waiting for me to return to right where I belonged all along. 
    The other significance is that he never wants anyone to be left behind, and that is something that is deeply engrained in me. I am learning to not take on false responsibility, and by that, I mean I feel broken when I see someone going through things and I cannot help them. I know that God can, and they may have to walk it out, and I pray that they choose to follow Jesus through it. Which will lead to next week's post of the breakdown of what the words in C.L.A.S.S.E. mean. 

Ohana and the Gospel: Biblical Truths in Lilo & Stitch

There’s something deeply moving about the Disney film Lilo & Stitch. On the surface, it’s a quirky story about a mischievous alien and a lonely Hawaiian girl. But woven into its heart is a truth that resonates far beyond the screen—one that reflects the very message of Scripture.

At the center of the movie is the word “Ohana.” Lilo explains: “Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind—or forgotten.” This simple line carries a profound weight, echoing the very heart of God’s love for His children.

1. God’s Family Is Built on Grace

Stitch begins as a destructive creature, created for chaos. He doesn’t fit in, and by the world’s standards, he doesn’t deserve a home. Yet Lilo chooses him anyway. She loves him not because of what he can offer, but in spite of his flaws.

That’s the beauty of grace. The Bible tells us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). God adopts us into His family not because we are worthy, but because His love is greater than our brokenness. Like Stitch, we are welcomed into God’s “Ohana” through mercy.

2. Family Means No One Gets Left Behind

Lilo refuses to give up on Stitch, even when others see him as too far gone. This reflects the persistence of God’s love. Jesus told the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:4–7), showing that He will leave the ninety-nine to go after the one who has wandered away.

In God’s family, no one is disposable. His love does not forget, abandon, or reject. Just as Lilo believed Stitch could change, God sees in us not just who we are, but who we can become through Him.

3. Redemption Is Possible for Everyone

Stitch’s journey from destruction to belonging is a beautiful picture of redemption. By the end, he finds purpose—not in wreaking havoc, but in loving and being loved.

This mirrors the gospel: in Christ, we become new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). No past is too messy for God to redeem. His Ohana is wide enough for every prodigal, every outcast, every misfit.

Living Out “Ohana” as Christians

When we embrace the biblical truth behind “Ohana,” it challenges us to see people through God’s eyes.

  • Welcome the outsider. Just as Lilo welcomed Stitch, we are called to open our hearts to those who feel lost or unworthy.

  • Commit to each other. Family in Christ means walking together through both joy and struggle, refusing to leave anyone behind.

  • Offer grace freely. Like God has shown us grace, we extend it to others—even when it’s difficult.

Final Thought

“Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind—or forgotten.” This is more than a sweet Disney line; it’s a reflection of the gospel itself. In Christ, we belong to the greatest Ohana of all—a family where love redeems, grace abounds, and no one is ever forgotten.

_____________________________________________________

Reflection Questions

1. How have I personally experienced God’s “Ohana”—His family of grace and love?

2. Are there people in my life that I tend to overlook, forget, or “leave behind”? How can I extend God’s love to them?

3. In what ways has God redeemed my brokenness, and how can I share that story to encourage others?

4. How can my church community better reflect the “Ohana” of God’s kingdom?
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Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for adopting me into Your family through the love of Jesus. Help me to live out the truth that no one is left behind or forgotten in Your kingdom. Teach me to extend grace, to welcome the outsider, and to love others with the same relentless love You’ve shown me. May my life reflect the beauty of Your Ohana. Amen

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