Brothers and Sisters

10-2-2009
Brothers and Sisters

Yesterday’s devotional consisted of a testimonial of an 11 year old boy accepting Christ as his Lord and Savior. As this young man and I were walking out of the room, I informed him that he was now my brother. He looked at me as if I was crazy, as I’m old enough to be his father. I then explained to him that all boys and men that believe in Christ are “brothers” in Christ. I then explained to him that my wife, Haley, was his sister in Christ. I think he liked that idea more than me being his brother…HA.

Matthew 12:46-50 says, “46While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. 47Someone told him, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you."[a]
48He replied to him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" 49Pointing to his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. 50For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother."

Our spiritual family consists of all believers in Christ, and as such we should treat them properly. We are called to love all people, and spiritual relationships should be as binding as physical relationships. The 12 year old boy is truly my brother now, and I will do for him as I would for anyone. It’s my responsibility to aid him in his spiritual development just as I would my actual brother.

How do you view your brother’s and sister’s in Christ? Do you see them as family? If not, why? We aren’t all going to get along, and we certainly aren’t all going to agree on everything, but regardless of political views, and etcetera, we are called to be brother’s and sister’s in Christ. Let’s love all as Christ loved all!

Application:
1. Read Matthew 12:46-50
2. Develop strong relationships with your brother’s and sisters.