Family

The first century Church had a special relationship. Because they had that closeness they were able to accomplish miracles.

32All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. 33The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. 34There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them 35and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.

36For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. 37He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles. Acts 4

My take away from this passage is the body of Christ is to be more than my spiritual community; they are to be family and I should treat them as such. Community is nice and it’s pleasant, but it’s not family. Our brothers and sisters in the Lord are family forever.

How does that look for me? We are not first century so how can I do that?

• Family means I write checks to them when they are in need.
• Family means I loan and give them my stuff.
• Family means I surprise them with gifts and don’t want or expect anything in return.
• Family means I do them favors that inconvenience me.
• Family means I drop what I am doing to help them or go see them if they need me in person.
• Family means I remember their birthdays.
• Family means daily contact not weekly.
• Family means they are in my prayers daily and as often as I can think of.

The Lord loves everyone in my spiritual community as a son or daughter, so they are brothers and sisters forever. My prayers today will include everyone I can think of in my spiritual family. It will also include one for myself: to become the person above. This is no easy task, it will take a God transformation.

My past isn’t pleasant and it taught me to withdraw and cocoon, but that’s not what God wants for me. He wants me to spread my wings and fly.