Being a believer means belonging to a very big family of brothers and sisters. We all have one heavenly Father and one big Brother, Jesus. I realized this for the first time on a weekend ski trip with other members of a university student club.
We all chipped in to rent a house in Sunriver and students with cars volunteered to drive their fully loaded vehicles about 170 miles for 3 hours one way (on a good day). I remember one time when it was raining most of the way and the car had only one windshield wiper but we made it safely carried by prayers from many members who didn’t go on the trip.
Besides skiing, we played games and explored the area. We also got to know more about each other. The non-believers shared that they felt our club was different from the other clubs they’ve participated in. They said they felt the love that we have for one another. I would have taken this for granted if the non-believers didn’t point it out.
Growing up, it was common to call people the same age as my parents, auntie or uncle even if they weren’t related. It was respectful to call someone older ‘manang” or “manong’. They mean older sister or brother but they are used for non-relatives, too. So the idea of calling another person as part of the family even though we are not related was ‘normal’.
Believers have a special connection and bond to one another because of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. We are adopted into God’s family because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. We are commanded to treat each other like family, loving each other.
If you are reading this and are not a part of this huge family of God but want to know more, just let us know. We’d like you to be adopted, too.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for loving us so much that even though we rebelled against You, You still wanted to be a part of Your family. We do not deserve Your mercy and grace. Help us to love in such a way that the whole world would want to be a part of your family, too.
In Your Son’s precious name, Amen.
Verses
Matthew 12:50 Whoever does the will of Jesus’ Father is His sibling and mother
John 1:12 All who believe in His name have the right to become God’s children
Romans 8:15 We received the Spirit of adoption so call God, Father
Romans 12:10 Love one another as brothers and sisters CSB
Hebrews 13:1 Keep loving each other as brothers and sisters NLT
1 Peter 2:17 Love the family of believers
1 Timothy 5:1-2 Treat people like family
Song
“Welcome to the Family” by Ernie Retino. We sang this song at the university student club I mentioned.
Call to action
If you have already prayed, looked up the verses in your Bible, and listened to the suggested song, then invite a sibling in Christ to a meal and let us know if you would do this again.