“My husband, children, and I have a fun family tradition. It happens
when we are at home and someone calls out “family hug!” We usually rendezvous
in the kitchen; I hug the kids and my husband wraps his arms around all of us.
It’s our way of expressing love and enjoying a brief moment of family
togetherness” (J.B.S. – american writer).
Although
we enjoy an occasional group hug, it’s not always easy to maintain that sense
of unity. After all, each person in our family is unique. We have different
needs, abilities, and viewpoints—much like the family of God (Eph. 4:11-12).
Despite
inevitable differences with other believers, Paul calls us to “keep the unity
of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (v.3). Harmony with other Christians is
important because it reflects the unity between Jesus and His heavenly Father.
Jesus prayed this for believers: “That they all may be one, as You, Father, are
in Me, and I in You” (John 17:21).
When
problems arise within the family of God, the Bible says we are to respond “with
all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in
love” (Eph. 4:2). This is the way to experience family togetherness with people
who share the fundamentals of our faith.
Our
hearts are linked through the love of God. (RBC)
