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Portrait of a Family

When you hear the word, “family,” what comes to mind?

Your answer will often depend on which generation you are a part of. As much as the structure changes, there are distinct qualities remain the same. A family is usually defined as a group of people who share common attitudes, interests, or goals. In essence, it is seen as almost the same as the definition of community.

But like all relationships, all families struggle. As human beings we often get angry, have disagreements and even foster things like gossip.

The church resembles family in many ways. When things are good, people see it. When there is conflict that is not handled properly, people see it. How do live together in a way that demonstrates to our community and world what “family” in the church context means?

The Bible’s description of what this kind of community would look like or how it is lived out can be found in many different verses. Many of them contain the words “one another”. Romans 12:10 says, “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” Olivia Newton John recorded a song back in the 70’s called, “Hopelessly devoted to you.” Devotion is defined as dedication, consecration, commitment. In other words it is others focused.

This kind of love is from the Greek word, “Phileo,” from which the city Philadelphia derives its name. As many of you know, the city is called the city of brotherly love, a stand by me kind of love that looks out for the other’s needs first.

Romans 12:16 says, “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.” We are called to live in harmony which is defined by humility. Some cultures promote differences, that some are better than others. India has the caste system and within that system, different castes never mix. Christians are called to relate to all the same because we are all equal. Galatians 3:26-28 says, “for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” James 2 comments that we tend to measure a person’s worth by externals, rather than internals

Romans 15:7 says, “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Welcome or acceptance is foundational to relationships. In essence, it is the foundation of love. We can’t change a person, only God can. If Christ can accept me, then I have to accept you. In my time working at the Mustard Seed or the Soup Kitchen of one of my previous churches, I have seen this practiced. The people who came out smelled and looked bad, but they found a place of acceptance. Most of the time it was a haven from racism, sexism, harassment.

Galatians 5:13 says, “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Service is motivated by different things – obligation, guilt, duty, commanded to, etc.. The truth is, why we serve is important. Attitude counts with God. Some other verses include: 1 Thessalonians 5:11, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” Hebrews 10:24, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,” As human beings, we can tend to be critical. It is easy for us to knock others down to build ourselves up.

1 Peter 4:9, “Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” Christians, especially Baptists and food and almost inseparable. One of the most important things we can do to build community here at ECBC is to show hospitality to one another. God loves a cheerful giver but I love cheerful hosts.

One of the most difficult one another commands is in 1 Corinthians 1:10.Paul writes, ” I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” Our culture today exalts democracy. In many churches, it is practiced as well. In spite of that, it doesn’t stop grumbling and complaining.

Again, the ideal is the church should be different. We practice democracy, but we should be living in consensus or agreement. Asian and Middle Eastern cultures often work that way. Like when a train conductor yells, “All aboard” we too should be all aboard.

The last “one another” verse I want to touch on is found in about a dozen different places, “love one another.” Now there are different forms of love. Love is hard to define because it encompasses a myriad of emotions, feelings, thoughts, philosophies and ultimately actions.

Our love is ultimately defined by God Himself. Jesus said the greatest love is to lay down one’s life for another. Again, this was demonstrated by Jesus who did for us. He is our inspiration that leads us to do it for others.
There are many other verses which I would encourage you to look up.The Christian life is about both being and becoming.We need to be children of God; to live, share and practice our faith. But we are also becoming the Bride of Christ. As we grown, we grow to be more loving, encouraging, serving, and accepting one another that we might be holy as He is holy. This is our call and praise be to God, we have help.The promise of God is with His call, He also empowers us through His Holy Spirit that we might become the men and women of God that will honour and glorify Him. As we grow, we will impact the community in which we live, work, go to school for His Kingdom’s sake.

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