Wisdom Wednesday
9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Galatians 6:9-10
I was having a conversation with a mate about family. He was surprised to hear me say that I don’t think we need to be friends with our family. Like many people in the Northern Suburbs, I reckon my mate has a bit of an idol about family.
We have this picture of family don’t we. Kind, patient, loving mum and dad. A few kids who are obedient and most of all (generally speaking), get on well with one another.
But what if you don’t get on well with your family? What if you don’t have kind, patient, loving parents (one or both). What if you don’t really get on with your siblings? What if their values or personalities are completely different to yours?
For Christians, what does the Bible say our duty is to our family?
Well, for one. I think there is a duty. In 1 Timothy 5:3-4, Paul says, “Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.”
Now, these verses are directly related to widows. But I think it is a fair argument to move from this passage to some responsibility on children ‘repaying’ their parents/grandparents for the sacrifices of raising them. Where this might not apply is in extreme situations - if there was no sacrifice of the parent, then perhaps there is no repayment either.
But this is a long way from a command to pursue closeness or deep friendship with our family. You can of course! And many choose to. Some are lucky enough that this is easy. For others friendship with family is hard. But let us remember Paul’s words in Galatians. Our closest connections are not flesh and blood, but spiritual brothers and sisters who we are united with in Christ and who we Church with.
And this is the challenge. In some ways, it’s easier to pursue friendships with family. It’s certainly more common culturally. They are at the very least, known quantities. You know them and they know you. But are you pursuing friendships with believing brothers and sisters?
For Today:
Pray:
Praise the Father that He is pure, perfect and kind to His children. Give thanks for Jesus who is our older brother and brings us into the family of God. Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others wisely grow deeper friendships.
Galatians 6:9-10
I was having a conversation with a mate about family. He was surprised to hear me say that I don’t think we need to be friends with our family. Like many people in the Northern Suburbs, I reckon my mate has a bit of an idol about family.
We have this picture of family don’t we. Kind, patient, loving mum and dad. A few kids who are obedient and most of all (generally speaking), get on well with one another.
But what if you don’t get on well with your family? What if you don’t have kind, patient, loving parents (one or both). What if you don’t really get on with your siblings? What if their values or personalities are completely different to yours?
For Christians, what does the Bible say our duty is to our family?
Well, for one. I think there is a duty. In 1 Timothy 5:3-4, Paul says, “Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.”
Now, these verses are directly related to widows. But I think it is a fair argument to move from this passage to some responsibility on children ‘repaying’ their parents/grandparents for the sacrifices of raising them. Where this might not apply is in extreme situations - if there was no sacrifice of the parent, then perhaps there is no repayment either.
But this is a long way from a command to pursue closeness or deep friendship with our family. You can of course! And many choose to. Some are lucky enough that this is easy. For others friendship with family is hard. But let us remember Paul’s words in Galatians. Our closest connections are not flesh and blood, but spiritual brothers and sisters who we are united with in Christ and who we Church with.
And this is the challenge. In some ways, it’s easier to pursue friendships with family. It’s certainly more common culturally. They are at the very least, known quantities. You know them and they know you. But are you pursuing friendships with believing brothers and sisters?
For Today:
- Do you enjoy a deep friendship with your family?
- Are you pursuing a deeper friendship with your family members? Why? Why not?
- How are you pursuing deeper friendships with brothers and sisters in Christ?
Pray:
Praise the Father that He is pure, perfect and kind to His children. Give thanks for Jesus who is our older brother and brings us into the family of God. Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others wisely grow deeper friendships.
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