We are Family

What is a family? One definition I found in the dictionary said a family is "A group consisting of parents and children living together in a household." That is, no doubt, one way to define a family, but a family can be much more than that, can't it? A family can be any group that is brought together by common interests, beliefs, and love for one another. One of the best examples of this kind of family is the Church. The Church is a family bound together by love for God, their Heavenly Father, and for one another. There is a song written by Bill and Gloria Gaither that describes the Church as the family of God.

"The Family of God"

I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God,
I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I'm part of the family,
The Family of God.

You will notice we say "brother and sister" 'round here,
It's because we're a family and these are so near;
When one has a heartache, we all share the tears,
And rejoice in each victory in this family so dear.

In our Bible lesson today, Jesus was together with his disciples in a house. When Jesus' mother and brothers arrived at the house, they sent someone inside to look for him. They told Jesus, "Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you."

Jesus looked around at the people seated around him and answered, "Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother."

Did Jesus love his real mother and brothers? Of course he did, but he also realized that he had another family. It was a family made up of those who loved his Heavenly Father and wanted to do his will.

You and I love our families, but we also have a wonderful family of faith made up of brothers and sisters who love God and love one another. It is wonderful to be a part of "The Family of God."

Heavenly Father, we thank you for our families and we thank you for our brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.