FAMILY TOGETHERNESS

FAMILY TOGETHERNESS

READ:
Ephesians 4:1-16

Keep the unity of the Spirit in
the bond of peace. -Ephesians 4:3

My husband, children, and I have a fun family tradition.  It happens when we are at home and someone calls out "family hug!"  We usually rendezvous in the kitchen; I hug the kids and my husband wraps his arms around all of us.  It's our way of expressing love and enjoying a brief moment of family togetherness.

Although we enjoy an occasional group hug, it's not always easy to maintain that sense of unity.  After all, each person in our family is unique.  We have different needs, abilities, and viewpoints-much like the family of God (Ephesians 4:11-12).

Despite inevitable differences with other believers, Paul calls us to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace" (v.3).  Harmony with other Christians is important because it reflects the unity between Jesus and His heavenly Father.  Jesus prayed this for believers:  "That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You" (John 17:21).

When problems arise within the family of God, the Bible says we are to respond "with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love" (Ephesians 4:2).  This is the way to experience family togetherness with people who share the fundamentals of our faith. -Jennifer Benson Schuldt

I pray, O Lord, reveal to me
If I have caused disunity,
For You would have Your children one
In praise and love for Your dear Son. -Branon
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Our hearts are linked through the love of Christ.

INSIGHT
Today's reading highlights a central goal of the Christian life-maturity in Christ.  Paul refers to maturity as "the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (v.13).  On our journey to Christlikeness, we need to remember this:  Progress is our daily goal, not perfection.

Have a blessed day and weekend.
God Our Creator's Love Always
Unity & Peace