This past weekend, I got a
true picture of what the family of Christ is all about. As you know, “family” is a universal word,
having to do with being related somehow.
So I suppose, the family of Christ would be “persons related through
Christ” – right?
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
How can one be “related
through Christ”? Well, that would be no
matter if you are Lutheran or E-free, German or Chinese – anyone who believes
in Jesus Christ as their Savior and follows His teachings – those people would
be the “family of Christ”.
Think how many there
are! Millions hopefully! All believers, united. One faith, one Lord, one God and Father of us
all. Family.
Matthew 22 gives us a
command:
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus
replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul
and with all your mind.’ This is the
first and greatest commandment. And the
second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
We are COMMANDED to love
each other – NOT encouraged, commanded!
How can the “family of Christ” love each other then? Well, we worship together, we pray for each
other. We help each other out by
bringing meals to fixing roofs and everything in between. Does there need to be more?
The lesson learned this
past weekend went beyond all that though.
A “sister” had a need and just praying for her wasn’t going to be
enough. I had to show up. And by showing up, I mean, helping in a way
that went WAY BEYOND my comfort zone. It
meant taking upon myself her sorrow and burdens (as much as possible), and
meeting needs for her that were not humanly possible.
It meant instead of just
thinking I should, I did.
I think back how it all
started – a tearful phone call, heartbreaking news. Prayers started – and after calling a few
more “loved” ones, more prayers. All the
while, communication was ongoing, “how is she?” – “what do you need?” – “what
can I do?” – “please call if you need ANYthing”.
Meanwhile, I’m on my face,
bawling. Praying. Pleading.
Reading
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will
fulfill the law of Christ. Paul wrote to the Galatians.
When I went to the
hospital room, we cried together, we prayed together, we shared God’s Word
together and we even laughed a few times.
For in the midst of all the sorrow, God, in His mercy, was there. His comfort was there. His Love was felt. And as the HEAD of the family, He oversaw it
all. He was right there.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, Who comforts us in all our
troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we
ourselves receive from God. II Cor 1
Thank You, Lord, for this
“family” You have given me for you have placed them in my heart. I praise You and thank You for this
incredible bond that ties us together like no other -
Christian Quinn Hovey,
may you rest in the arms of Christ Jesus, Himself.
You are so loved and missed by your “family”.
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