Taken from Our Daily Bread, written by Jennifer Benson Schuldt:
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 (Eph. 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" (Eph. 4:2). This is the way to experience family togetherness with people who share the fundamentals of our faith.
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
Our hearts are linked through the love of Christ.
Thank you Father, for your gentle reminder to me today, to respond "with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love" (Eph. 4:2). Help our words to be slow to come forth, being spoken with thought, care and directed towards the building of others up. May our words be a Blessing to your ear, and to those who hear them. Thank You for Your word, in which we may study on a daily basis.
For it is in Jesus precious and Holy name we ask, and claim these things, Amen!!!
God Bless,
David B.
