We are Family

We are family. It may be trite and misunderstood, but we have an obvious bond that cannot be broken with trial or error. Christ binds us in his love and care. The Holy Spirit lives in each of us and blends us together so that there is no distinction between one Christian and the next. We are one in Christ. In the words of Juan Carlos Ortiz, we are like “mashed potatoes” because of the Spirit of Christ.

Because we are family we are accountable to each other. This accountability is often misused and sometimes abused. As I understand it, we are to advocate for one another on all occasions. Towing the line in the Christian walk is a difficult task. When we support one another through trials we show the love of Christ. When we seek to restore someone who is in error we show the compassion of a family.

This kind of advocacy makes us accountable for one another rather than to one another. This grace-based advocacy provides trusted allies in struggles rather than dreadful accusers. Remember that each one of us is a sinner-saint and therefore have received immeasurable amounts of grace from The Judge.

As you gather this week with your family to give thanks, take time to be thankful for your family in Christ.