And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he
said, “Here are my mother and my brothers!”
(ESV)
Our son and
daughter have many nicknames around our house.
One for our daughter is “Sissy” because she is her brother’s
sister. Recently, she referred to my
wife as Sissy, and this caused us to pause a moment. With the patience of a nine year old who has
to explain the obvious to rather dim adults, she said, “She is my sister in
Christ.”
Our
relationship with Jesus not only trumps all others, it redefines them. Coworkers and strangers become family. People who have hurt us become those we love.
If this is
true, and it is, how would it change the way you look at others? Think for a moment about that co-worker you
do not really like. Picture the
politician you love to rail against.
Call to mind all those you avoid, gossip about, or malign. Now think of all of them as brothers and
sisters in Christ. Ouch. It makes a difference, doesn’t it?
Lord, You
have called me Your brother and friend, yet I treat other members of our
family, well, You know. Help me to love
as You do, Jesus. It does not come
easily to me. In Your name I pray, amen.
Copyright © 2014 by Steven R. Perkins
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