As Christians we are part of God’s family. God is the Father (Matthew 23:9), Christ is the elder brother (Romans 8:29; Hebrews 2:11), and we have our relationship with them through adoption (Romans 8:15; Ephesians 1:3-6). The importance of this spiritual family with God as its Head can’t be overemphasized. It is because of it that we have the hope of eternity. Our hope is through adoption, as through it we become heirs, “that we may be also glorified together” (Romans 8:17).
Since matters of eternity trump temporal ones, it is right to say that our spiritual family is more important than our physical one. This is not to minimize our physical family and relationships. Jesus Himself is a wonderful example in this. He dearly loved his mother. One of his last acts before his death was to instruct His disciple John to care for her after His death (cf. John 19:26-27). However during His ministry Jesus showed His spiritual priorities as His physical family came to see Him and speak with Him. One of His disciples told Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak with You.” Jesus’ answer was one that every Christian should consider carefully. “But He answered and said to the one who told Him, ‘Who is My mother and who are My brothers?’ And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and 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 12:48-50).
It is true that physical families can become estranged from one another. This is a travesty, and as Christians it should not be as a result of our own failings. Paul wrote, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18). It is not always possible, but any rift should not come from a faithful child of God. The same truth is clear regarding our spiritual family. This is why Paul wrote Titus, “Reject a divisive man after the first or second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned” (Titus 3:10-11).
As we acknowledge that Christians are adopted into the family of God, there are many passages of scripture that regulate how we are to treat one another. Love is the clearest principle of all, and should be seen in all our interactions. This principle precludes a vengeful attitude toward others, especially our own brethren. This is extremely important in any local congregation. Perhaps this is why in dealing with strife and anger Paul wrote in Romans 12:21), “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
There is nothing more distasteful and repugnant to God to see His children fight and fuss. “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also” (1 John 4:20-21).
Love requires we be involved in the lives and welfare of our brethren. Paul wrote, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10). This passage has a spiritual context. Among those good things we are to do is restore anyone who “is overtaken in any trespass.” It is described as bearing “one another’s burdens, and so fulfill [-ing] the law of Christ” (6:1-2). A simple question: How can we “rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15) without such involvement with one another?
In Ephesians 5, Paul gave further instructions regarding our care and concern for one another; this time referencing our interactions in worship. This is one purpose of our singing, “speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (19). This in conjunction with his admonition to submit “to one another in the fear of God” (21), indicates that our lives are enriched by, and should include a close relationship to our brothers and sisters in Christ.
It is important that we think of each other as brothers and sisters. We are family. If the Father and the Son have invested so much in our relationship, it obligates us to be invested to the same extent! “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:10-11).
Deep fraternity exists where investment occurs. How can we love each other if we don’t really know one another? If we know of the physical and spiritual needs of our brethren – if we recognize their strengths and weaknesses, if we can tell when they are trouble, when they need our intercession, when a simple hug will help – this enables us to assist each other!
One of the most important things you can do is develop a closeness to your brothers and sisters in Christ. We can help each other get to heaven!
