The Family of God

2 Kings 10; 2 Chronicles 22-23; 1 Timothy 5 

“Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.”

1 Timothy 5:1, 2

Paul uses family as the metaphor to describe the many relationships in the Church, the Body of Christ.

In a generation where so many families are broken, how do we apply the example of family relationships to the Church?

At an even more basic level, how do we think of each other as family within the local church, when we have used the local church like a consumer product or dispenser of services?

Do we see our local church as family?

What needs to change for that perspective to shape our relationships?

Who are our brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers within the church?

Do respect, trust, love, purity, and faithfulness characterize our relationships with other Christ-followers?

In what current relationships is the Lord inviting us to change our attitude, perspective, and approach?

“Lord Jesus, thank you for the family of God you have placed me in, and for the local expression of that family. Fill me with love and faithfulness toward other family members, for your glory.”