“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)
