One in Christ

In Matthew12: 46, while Jesus was speaking to the crowd, his mother and brothers were standing outside waiting for him. Someone told him about them, but Jesus replied, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" Pointing to his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." (Matthew 12:48-49.)

Several years ago when I first read this passage, coming from an Asian background where family is closely tied, I felt it was odd that Jesus declared that other people who were with him were his real family instead of his biological mother and brothers. However, as I grew spiritually over the years, I could see why. We, Christians, are adopted into the same family ---that is God's family, and we are united by love and hope in Christ. I could see why bonding with the church is so important and why I should spend more and more time with my spiritual family.

There's so much comfort, love, and encouragement, in spending time with your brothers and sisters in Christ, with someone who loves God and is passionate about Him as much as you do. Someone who has the same goals and priorities in life. I spent my weekend with my family in Christ and I felt lifted up. It was so nice to just talk and share a meal with a friend who knows Christ, who knows biblical truths, and applies them to his or her life. Also, sharing, reading the bible, and worshiping together with the church is a heavenly time for me.

God has spoken to my heart this week that these are the people whom He deeply loves and cares about, and I am to be there to encourage, help, and share my life with them. Christian life is never a life of isolation. I feel blessed to be surrounded by caring Christian friends who love God and who devote their lives to serve Him and others.