Daily Bible Reading for February 6th

 

Reading for February 6th

Chapter 5 - Ransomed and Redeemed
Focus: Bottom of Page 28 to the Top of Page 31

“The answer is that through salvation we are adopted into the family of the Church of Jesus Christ, and we are to love one another-not just say we love each other but become completely invested in that love.” pg. 29

I was very blessed to be raised in a loving family. My parents, my brother, my three sets of grandparents (divorced and remarried before I was born), cousins, and even extended family all showed love. The older I have gotten, the more and more I recognize how rare this truly is. We are different, to be certain, sometimes having disagreements, but the love has always been there. 

Now, this familial love, the Greek word “storge” (στοργη) in the Bible, is exactly what I have experienced. It’s a deep connection and bond between family members, or in the words of Rev. Shane, “to become completely invested in that love.” All Christians share a familial love. We are united by the blood of Jesus Christ, adopted into the family of the Father. Such love gives us strength even when disagreements occur, because it is foundational to who we are. 

The main question I present to you today is, “Do you love others in the family of faith? Not just say we love each other, but be completely invested in that love.” 

Challenging, to be certain. The reality is that we all probably say that we love others in the family of faith, but when it comes to action, we fall short. I, we, all of us, can do better. Today, let’s turn away from inter-family competition and rivalry and “show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart.” 1 Peter 1:22

https://tinyurl.com/linksforfebruary3rd

Heavenly Father, thank you for your patience with us as we learn how to love each other as family. Sometimes we disagree or fight, but we do love one another. Where there is division, we pray for unity. Show us the ways in which our words do not align with our actions and give us all the courage to ask for forgiveness. We pray this all in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.