What is family anyway? It’s the bonds of fellowship and care we have with others. Perhaps some of your family consists of those you’ve come to know and love through church. Perhaps you are part of an organization that cares for each other deeply such as our local volunteer fire department. Schools work together for the good and love of children. We exist with common interests and connection as communities, countries, and as humankind. Human connection makes family in so many ways. In all of them, we have the opportunity to love and nurture each other.
Let’s look at our relationships through new and clear Christian eyes. Jesus’ family wasn’t strictly biological, and ours doesn’t need to be either. The world is not owed designations and definitions regarding our relationships. When I introduce my brother, Bob, I don’t offer an explanation as to why we look nothing alike. No one is allowed to quantify if he is a “real” brother to me. He is simply, fully, and completely my brother, and I love him. That is all we need.
This message is excerpted from “Real” by Diane Norstad in the December 2018 Gather magazine. Today we commemorate Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, c. 342.
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