Belonging to God's Family a 3-Day Devotional by Sue Afutuনমুনা

Loving as Family

I recently had a video conference call with members of my extended family scattered in various parts of my country and the world. I live in Ghana, which is a country in the western part of Africa. Through the call, I had the chance to see their faces, hear their voices, and learn how they were doing and what they have been up to. We had not done something like that before, and I savored every moment.

Feelings of tenderness and warmth must accompany a sense of family. This is not always the case, especially when there are unresolved envy, bitterness, and unforgiveness issues.

All believers belong to the family of Christ. We are all brothers and sisters in this family, and God is our father. As one anonymous quote puts it, "God does not have grandchildren; only children."

We can create a harmonious environment within our churches when we sympathize with each other, love one another as brothers and sisters, keep a humble attitude, and are tenderhearted towards one another.

Jesus gave us the mandate to create or seek His Kingdom here on earth. We need to encourage ourselves in the various roles we play in this regard rather than competing among ourselves. Our goal should be the glory of God and not the exaltation of ourselves.

Sadly, the brotherly or sisterly love that should exist among us as God's people is not always present in our churches. This is sometimes replaced with envy, malice, fits of rage, back-biting, etc.

Ephesians 4:31-32 reminds us to get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, slander, and all types of evil behavior. It admonishes us to be kind to each other, tenderhearted, and forgive one another, just as God, through Christ, has forgiven us.

We can only truly be Christ-like when we love as Christ did and forgive as He did. Rather than putting others down, let's seek out ways to raise them up. Our common enemy should be the devil and not one another.

Reflection: In what ways can you love other believers more?

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for making me a part of your family.

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