Love Family

Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. 1 Peter 2:17 NLT

Every family will have differences. Some stronger to the point of arrogance, some timid to the point of weakness, and even some that no one can stand. Before you think, I am an only child, you still have a mum and dad, aunts and uncles either by blood or chosen, and cousins. This would be your family unit and the same dynamics exist. You will get on better with some, than you do with others. No surprises there!

Peter’s reminder of respect and love goes further than our earthly family. If you are a part of God’s family having been accepted into His care by repentance and faith, we all have a responsibility. Think about the good folks in your church. Do you get on equally well with everyone? Probably not. Do you have some friends close enough to confide in, enough to share your deepest thoughts and fears. Probably.

The family of believers is worldwide, and not limited to our own little pocket in the town we live in and attend. You are blessed with a family who are diverse, and many thousands you don’t even know. We are encouraged, expected and directed to respect them in the Lord. More than that, we are commanded to love them in the Lord. That’s whether we naturally gravitate towards them or not.

I am reminded, once again, of the massive family of believers that I am blessed to be a part of, and it is an honour and blessing to be able to worship with them when I get the chance. You see, this command is not just for me. This command is for all of God’s family, so wherever we go, the feelings of mutual respect and love are the same. Put simply, church feels like home, and there is a massive benefit because: All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other.” John 13:35 ERV