During this time of social distancing, staying at home and home schooling, I’ve been watching all kinds of social media suggestions on how to keep children entertained at home, while maintaining their education. Many of the ideas are just hilarious, but I’m sure in reality there have been many confrontations, warnings and tears, as families struggle to keep some kind of normalcy while living in close quarters. There have also been many stories of the riches of rediscovering family unity and togetherness.
I imagine that some parents are frustrated and at their wits end when they see their children quarrel, even bursting out in hateful acts and words to each other. How does God feel then, when He sees His children quarrel and bicker among themselves? The apostle John’s counsel is very timely in these days. ~I John 5:1~ Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey His commandments. (ESV)
John’s emphasis is always on love, but we mustn’t think that anyone can achieve salvation just by loving others. We are saved when we accept Jesus as Lord and His saving work for us. Having this salvation, we love God because we are in His family now, and love our brothers and sisters in Christ too. If we are more in love with our own church denomination, place in society, our own race, political affiliation and theological beliefs, than with God’s family, then where is that passionate love for God’s children?
That wonderful, true spirit of family comes first with our own fellowship with God. *By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey His commandments.* Build up your own personal faith with daily reading of His Word and daily renewing of the Holy Spirit, with prayer. Only then will we enjoy family unity and renewal in our homes and our churches.