Part Of The Family

There is never a dull moment in our household.

2 Timothy 1:1-5

Reference: To Timothy, my dear son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. (2 Timothy 1:2 NIV)

Explore: Our family is quite different to the norm – not that there really is a “norm” these days!
Joy came to us through the foster system when she was 13 years old. Seven years down the track and she has brought another member into our family, baby Jai.

C1 and C2 (names given for privacy reasons) joined our family 15 months ago. These two brothers are 5 and 6 years of age and full of energy! Needless to say, there is never a dull moment in our household.

None of these children are related to us by blood but all four of them are a part of our family.

Application: There are people who come into our lives that are so close to us that they become just like family. It’s great to know that our families are not just restricted to those related to us.

You may have foster children like us, your extended family may come in the form of a friend that you’ve known for years, or maybe someone you haven’t known for that long but that you’ve connected with instantly. Family should not be restricted by blood but extended to many people you hold affection for.

I love how the apostle Paul addressed his close friend: “my dear son.” What a great honour to receive from someone – being accepted into their family.

Let us take a page out of Paul’s book. Instead of limiting our family to just our blood relatives, let’s show God’s love and acceptance by flinging the family door wide open and allowing everyone to come in.

Prayer: Lord, no matter what kind of family we have been born into, we know that You accept us as a member of Your own  family. May we reciprocate that love and affection to other who cross our path and bring many into the warmth of our families. Amen.

Who could you extend your family fold a little further for?

2 Timothy, acceptance, children, family, foster, love, relatives