Family Ties

Have you ever been to a family reunion? You know what that is, don't you? It is a time for all the members of a family to get together — grandpas and grandmas, moms and dads, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, and lots and lots of cousins. Most of the time it will include playing a lot of games and eating a lot of food, but the main reason for a reunion is to help family members to stay in touch with one another. Many times family members become scattered and live in different towns and different states far away from one another. They may keep in contact by email or by phone, but nothing beats a family reunion to help a family to stay in touch.

We should never overlook the importance of family. In the very first book of the Bible, God established the family. He created Adam and Eve, blessed them, and said, "Be fruitful and multiply." God intended for family members to be there to care for one another in times of need. Family is there to help us when we are sick. When we are young, our parents and grandparents look after us. As our parents and grandparents get older, that sometimes changes and we become the ones to take care of our parents or grandparents. That's what family is all about.

You might not realize it, but when we put our faith in Jesus, we become a part of another family. We become a part of God's family. In our Bible reading today, Jesus looked at a group of people seated around him and said, "See my mother and my brothers. Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother." When we put our faith in Jesus, we become a part of a family of believers — the church. Just as the members of our earthly family have a responsibility to love and care for one another, members of our church family have a responsibility to love and care for one another.

What are some ways we can show love to our brothers and sisters in the family of God?

• Pray for those who are sick.
• Feed those who are hungry.
• Give clothing to those in need.
• Give shelter to the homeless.
• Comfort those who are sad.
• Be a friend to those who have no friends.
• Family is important — our earthly family and our spiritual family. Never take them for granted.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for our families. Thank you for grandparents, mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters. We also thank you for our church family. Help us to love and care for one another as you have taught us. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.