Kinship In The Family Of God
For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.
Matthew 12:50
Family life and acceptance are important to each of us. But true kinship does not require a blood relationship.
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When Jesus spoke to the crowd in Matthew 12, he told them his disciples were his family—brothers and sisters of faith rather than flesh.
Listen as Francis of Assisi describes the richness of this family relationship.
WALK WITH FRANCIS OF ASSISI
“We must never desire to be set above others, but to be subject to every human creature for God’s sake. And all who do this shall be the brothers and mothers of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“We are his brothers when we do the will of his Father who is in heaven.
“We are his mothers when we bear him in our heart by love and a pure and sincere conscience, and bring him forth in holy deeds which must shine as an example to others.
“O, how glorious and holy and great it is to have a Father in heaven! O, how holy and delightful, pleasing and humble, peaceful and sweet, amiable and above all things to be desired it is to have a brother who laid down his life for his sheep.”
WALK CLOSER TO GOD
All the rags-to-riches stories ever told pale by comparison with what God has done for you in making you a full-fledged part of his family. A son or daughter of his love.
A joint heir with Jesus of all that the Father possesses.
Comfort.
Strength.
Chastening.
Guidance.
They’re all part of your family blessings in the household of God. Think of it: Your Father in heaven cares for you as his very own … because that’s what you are.
So welcome to the family!
