The "family" of Christ

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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?

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 and reciting scripture.  In my grief, I am hoping I am taking some of theirs.  It’s the least I could do.  For you see, in the "family of Christ”, love bears all.  It bears burdens.  It bears pain.  It bears.   

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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