Together We Make A Family

Family Day 6

The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:21-27

“Character is what a man is in the dark.” – D.L. Moody

 

  • Grab your Bible, journal and a hot cup of coffee. Pray that the Holy Spirit will open your heart to this unique look at the family of God this morning.
  • Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-31. Write verses 26-27 in your journal.

Together We Make A Family

Dear Sisters, are we fulfilling our role as members of the family of God? Do we help one another to the full extent of our abilities?

As the body of Christ, it is surprising how easily we can fall into the trap of the taking the simple way out when faced with a crisis. When people experience life events such as miscarriages, the death of loved ones or the stress of a sick child, we often say, “I am praying for you” and move on with our lives. While prayer is a very important act, it is not the only action we should be taking within the family of God. We are called to take care of each other.

1 Timothy 3:15 tells us, “I want you to know how people who are members of God’s family must live.  How God’s family is the church.”  Church is not merely a building you attend to hear a sermon on Sunday; Church is something to which you actively belong. We are all the family of God.

Perhaps your immediate family has not met your expectations of how families should look and feel? Maybe you have been hurt, left out, or they have not been what you needed. In this day and age, separation from your family could be your reality. Separation caused by physical distance or distance within your heart.

I urge you, dear sisters, to keep trying with your family. The Scriptures state in 1 Timothy 5:8, “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” We are told directly in Scripture that we are supposed to take care of our family first, regardless of whether they have met the expectations we have placed on them.

Beloved, we are called, as the church, to take care of one another. We rejoice during times of great success. We grieve during times of sadness. We listen during times of worry. We stand together as the Body of Christ. James 1:27 tells us, “Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.”  When we care for each other, God can bring amazing healing and wholeness. The beauty of the family of God is that we do not have to be related to one another for God to work through us to meet each other’s needs for love and community.

Furthermore, sisters, take the example of James and John to heart. Put Jesus first in your life. Meet the needs of your church family immediately. Matthew 4:21-22 tells us “Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him.” James and John asked no questions of Jesus. They responded with action. No second guesses.

When responding to the family of God, this is how we should act towards the body of Christ; immediately and without second guessing. Beloved, we follow their pattern when we meet the needs of our church family immediately.

Take action with your family. Don’t be afraid to love those around you. I bet you are just what they needed.

Questions to Ponder

  • What are the benefits to belonging to the Family of God?
  • Is God leading you to join a specific church or congregation?

Faith-Filled Idea

I am going to encourage you to be more aware of the people around you this week. Don’t just float through the day in a haze. Look people in the eye and listen when you are engaged in conversation. Find a member of your congregation that has a need and meet that specific need this week.  Is there a new mom in your church?  Go to her home with a meal and let her take a shower or just get out of the house by herself for an hour.  Call your church’s secretary and ask for a list of the homebound members and call to schedule a moment to stop by for a visit.  Take a simple treat.  Homebound and elderly members are always eager for visitors.

family day 6

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Leslie Leonard
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9 Comments on “Together We Make A Family”

    1. We need to take care of all the people in our lives. Some people around us may be hurting and we would never know it. We might be the only person they talk to that day.

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