Defining Family

How often do you spend time with family? Family can be tricky - right?

Some spend most of their time with family. Others rarely connect. Some have family reunions, while others have division for various reasons.

How about you?

Concerning family, Jesus once said ““Don’t think that I came to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. I have come so that ‘a son will be against his father, a daughter will be against her mother, a daughter-in-law will be against her mother-in-law. A person’s enemies will be members of his own family.” (Matthew‬ ‭10‬:‭34‬-‭36‬ ‭NCV‬)

It’s interesting how a love for God, Christ and The Holy Spirit can cause division within a family. How we believe and live attracts and repels.

It’s sad that families divide, but as Jesus said, it’s reality. So what are we to do with family?

I say, if possible, unite. Try to connect, love, share and worship God together - while having fun. It’s a balance that can be difficult.

However, when there is division, continue to love and forgive. The Holy Spirit will guide you in the “how”. Love always wins. It will either unite or fulfill your void. You can’t go wrong with giving love away.

How are you sharing love to family members?

And as life unfolds, you might even find others that are closer than family. It may sound overly religous, however one time “While Jesus was talking to the people, his mother and brothers stood outside, trying to find a way to talk to him.” (Matthew 12:46)

“Someone told Jesus, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, and they want to talk to you.” He answered, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” (Matthew 12:47,48)

“Then he pointed to his followers and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. My true brother and sister and mother are those who do what my Father in heaven wants.” (Matthew‬ ‭12‬:‭49-‭50‬ ‭NCV‬‬)

There is nothing that compares to like-mindedness, mutual purity, and helping each other to live honoring God and loving others.

LORD, help us unite & love one another no matter what. Sometimes, we just need boundaries. Help us to know how and when. Help us mend bridges, sacrifice for one another and worship you in a united way. IJNIP amen ♥️