God’s Spiritual Family

 3 Sep 25

Today's devotional: taken from YouVersion, Life Application Study Bible Devotion


God’s Spiritual Family

Recognizing the other believers as brothers and sisters in the family of God, the Christians in Jerusalem shared all they had so that all could benefit from God's gifts. It is tempting-especially if we have material wealth-to cut ourselves off from one another, each taking care of his or her own interests, each providing for and enjoying his or her own little piece of the world. But as part of God's spiritual family, it is our responsibility to help one another in every way possible. God's family works best when its members work together.


“All the believers were together and had everything in common.”Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭44‬ ‭NIV‬‬

———————-

Reflections

How would a family member look like to you? I would imagine someone who is caring, loving and treating me like one of their own. Someone who cared enough to remember my birthday, what I don’t eat, what I am afraid of, someone who stand up for me and speak up for me even though I don’t know about it, etc. It is love that is sacrificial because you are family. I cannot imagine someone saying to me that I’m like family but had never once asked how I am doing. I’m sure we know of people who are out of our own blood line that make us feel like family. They don’t even have to say anything but you just feel that love from them.


On the other hand, are we doing what we are supposed to do as well? I asked myself if I am only receiving and not giving anything? If I am, am I not being like those Pharisees or Sadducees? It’s basically what the people nowadays termed as NATO (No Action Talk Only). Then the question becomes, why am I like this?


“Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”Matthew‬ ‭22‬:‭37‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬


If we look at God’s commandment, He has stated it really clearly. Love God and love the others as how we love ourselves. If we love God we will do just as He say, otherwise it is just NATO. I’m glad judgement day has not come so we still have chances to make amendments and change our thinking to loving others.


I was thinking of something else as well on an organisational level. If all men lived like brothers and sisters, we are all equal and there is no division from denomination. If one part is stronger than the other then the stronger one ought to help the one that is weak. It is rather similar to what I heard was being taught in the army. Leave no men behind. If we are so focused on our own growth only and neglected our fellow brothers and sisters, what does that look like? 


Lord I pray that You will give us wisdom and knowledge on how we can lift up our fellow brothers and sisters so that no one is left behind. Help us to love the others as You have loved us. Help us not to pursue success or achievements but look out for the others that are behind us and pull them along so that every one of us can enter the Kingdom of Heaven as one big family. Unite us O Lord as one big family so that none will grow weak or weary but always be encouraged. Thank You Lord for the blessings and grace and may we too extend the same grace and blessings to others.

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