From time to time, I encounter people whose hearts are burdened because their family members seem distant from each other or perhaps even at odds with one another.
My soul aches for them because I know how sweet it is when family members experience unity.
I was reminded of this contrast this morning while enjoying my daily Bible reading. Here’s a passage from that reading that speaks to a remedy for disconnected family members.
“I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.” (I Corinthians 1:10)
The specific context of this verse involves congregational life in an ancient Greek city. The principle, however, applies to each of our lives in a very contemporary way.
If you’re not experiencing relationship with a sibling or cousin or parent or child to the depth that you desire, choose a path leading to harmony with a particular set of guiding values or with a servanthearted project.
That shared pattern for living or project for service will do wonders for helping you both to focus on what can unite you rather that divide you.
This is one reason congregational life is such a potent catalyst for closer relationships within families.
Harmony is never an accident. It is always a fruit.
Choose it today.
As always, I love you
Martin
