Family - Friends or Foes?
I think we have all heard the familiar phrase: "You can choose your friends but you can't choose your family." The meaning of this phrase is that some things you can choose, but others you cannot, so you have to try to make the best of what you have where you have no choice. But is family something that we just have to make the best of? Or did God intend much more for the family?
Today's Beloved Disciple lesson was entitled "Old Ties and New Ties" Jesus had just called Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip and Nathanael to be his disciples. Then we see these new disciples interacting with Jesus and his family at the wedding in Cana. John 2:2 tells us that Jesus, his mother and his disciples attended the wedding. Happy times I am sure. Next Jesus is with his mother, brothers and disciples in Capernaum. Things seem to be going well between all of them.
However, later on, there was to be a schism in Christ's family (see John 7:3-5). In week 3 we will see a reconciliation which was brought on by the resurrection. But for now, picture Christ surrounded by His family and new disciples.
Beth Moore states, "Because the disciples were new on the scene, they probably weren't quite as comfortable interacting with Christ's family....Still, they got to see Christ interact with His own family - a critical opportunity, I think."
This brought up a question for me - How do I interact with my family? How do people view me as I interact with my family? Do I just put up with them or do I interact with them in a godly way?
Well, to be honest, interacting with family is not always easy. I am am not always showing the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). I sometimes let impatience get the best of me. As in my previous post, I need to let Jesus into each and every situation. I shouldn't react but act in a positive way in each circumstance. Like Jesus said in Matthew 5:46, "If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?" The Greek word for love is agapao which means to welcome, to entertain, to be fond of, to love dearly.
Today, I am determined to love all, even when they seem to be unlovable. How about you?
Today's Beloved Disciple lesson was entitled "Old Ties and New Ties" Jesus had just called Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip and Nathanael to be his disciples. Then we see these new disciples interacting with Jesus and his family at the wedding in Cana. John 2:2 tells us that Jesus, his mother and his disciples attended the wedding. Happy times I am sure. Next Jesus is with his mother, brothers and disciples in Capernaum. Things seem to be going well between all of them.
However, later on, there was to be a schism in Christ's family (see John 7:3-5). In week 3 we will see a reconciliation which was brought on by the resurrection. But for now, picture Christ surrounded by His family and new disciples.
Beth Moore states, "Because the disciples were new on the scene, they probably weren't quite as comfortable interacting with Christ's family....Still, they got to see Christ interact with His own family - a critical opportunity, I think."
This brought up a question for me - How do I interact with my family? How do people view me as I interact with my family? Do I just put up with them or do I interact with them in a godly way?
Well, to be honest, interacting with family is not always easy. I am am not always showing the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). I sometimes let impatience get the best of me. As in my previous post, I need to let Jesus into each and every situation. I shouldn't react but act in a positive way in each circumstance. Like Jesus said in Matthew 5:46, "If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?" The Greek word for love is agapao which means to welcome, to entertain, to be fond of, to love dearly.
Today, I am determined to love all, even when they seem to be unlovable. How about you?
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