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Predestined For Greatness

WHO IS REALLY YOUR FAMILY?

Ruth Hunter-Hill,

Dallas Gospel Connection contributor writer

Jill Scott, a well known R&B singer, has a song where she talks about her family reunion.  The lyrics are such that most of us can easily relate: many of us probably have an “Uncle Dave” who is on the barbeque grill, an “Aunt Juicy” who has already been drinking and it’s only 1:30, and a “Mickey and Steven” who start fighting. But in the end, all the troublesome behavior and circumstances fade into the background as everyone starts to dance to one of the family’s favorite songs. 
 

All believers are in the same family, as we are connected by the blood shed by Jesus Christ.  He is Lord and Savior to all of us who have accepted Him as the living, one true God.  No matter who our earthly parents are, He is our Father and He loves us and He shows us this repeatedly by giving us new mercies every morning – His compassion never ends (Lamentations 3:22-24).  But most of all, He proved His great love for us when he hung, bled and died at Calvary, the ultimate example of unconditional love. 
 

Do we love our family members THAT much?  Is our love truly unconditional, or do we attach conditions and restrictions to who we love, how we love them, or why we love them?  As normal human beings, I’m convinced that we are not capable of real unconditional love, that “Jesus” kind of love. 
 

In my own family right now, there is an ongoing dispute that has broken many hearts and caused many to shed a tear.  Though everyone involved in this dispute grew up loving each other in a way that I’m sure they thought was unconditional, they’ve found that things can happen within our limited scope of loving that will pit one person against another unconditionally.  I have watched with disbelief and sadness as events have unfolded over the last couple of years.  Even those directly involved can’t believe the whole thing is happening, and they are sad as well.  Also, I know personally of families that are being ripped apart as they deal with the turmoil caused by abuse, divorce and so much more.  In my heart, I believe they all still love each other.  But the reality is that on earth, love just isn’t enough. 
 

For Jesus, love was enough.  It was enough for Him to die for our wretched souls, knowing that the very ones for whom He was so willing to give His life did not understand or appreciate His valiant sacrifice.  It was enough for Him to suffer much humiliation and physical pain, as He took on the sins of a world of ingrates.  It was enough for Him to endure feeling separated from Our Father in heaven as He hung at Calvary, bleeding from hands and feet. 

Folks, we just can’t pick our families – whether it’s our blood family or our family of believers.  As it says in 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11, “For God has not destined us forwrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.” It is Christian conduct we all have to work at, every day.  Time is short.  Can’t we all just get along?

writerruth@sbcglobal.net