1 John 2:9 - We are family

Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister[a] is still in the darkness.
1 John 2:9

Footnotes: 1 John 2:9 The Greek word for brother or sister (adelphos) refers here to a believer, whether man or woman, as part of God’s family; also in verse 11; and in 3:15, 17; 4:20; 5:16.

In general, I don't think we should hate anyone, but this passage stresses the importance of not hating our brothers and sisters. This is stressed several times in the book of 1 John. So, who are our brothers and sisters? In the footnote above, it refers to a believer, whether man or woman, as part of God’s family. As Christians, we have a responsibility to each other. We are a family. We may disagree, even on points of doctrine, but we must want the best for each other and pray for each other. We are linked by the most fundamental of beliefs: God is real and he sent his son to die for our sins. This core belief supersedes all other aspects of our human existence. If we can not love each other, how can we love non-believers and share God's love with them? And why would they want to be a part of a family who can not exist in harmony?

Lord, Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your family. Please help us to love each other. Amen.

Psalm 22:22 - The assembly

I will declare your name to my people;
     in the assembly I will praise you.

Going to church on Sunday morning is one of my favorite things to do. It is an opportunity to worship God and fellowship with other believers. I have to miss sometimes because of work, but I attend every chance I get. It's like going to a family reunion. You are invited to attend church Sunday morning with me and my family at the Webb Chapel Church of Christ. If you can't attend, you are welcome to watch on our live streaming feed. Hope to see you tomorrow morning!

Lord, thank you for your church. Please help us to become a part of your body and work as a part of your kingdom. Amen.

1 Thessalonians 5:14 - Family interactions

And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

As we go about our lives as Christians interacting with other members of our Christian family...remember these things.

Lord, thank you for giving us a family of believers. Please help us to care for each other. Amen.

Romans 1:12 - Mutually encouraged

...that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.

It is so important to be around other Christians. In this verse, Paul longs to see the Romans so they can be mutually encouraged. So did Paul also need encouragement? This great man of God needed other Christians? He said he did. It is easy to live in a vacuum. We go to work, but don't really make any relationships there. We come home, and spend the evening watching TV, on the computer or maybe following through on a commitment doing something we would really rather not be doing. We go to sleep then do it all again. On the weekend we may go to church, but we just go and leave. It's easy to live in our own little bubble and not even realize we are doing it. We need to look for other Christians and talk to them about their faith walk. We will be mutually encouraged!

Lord, thank you for giving us our brothers and sisters in Christ. Please help us to utilize our spiritual family, to get to know them and be mutually encouraged by each other's faith. Amen.