MY BROTHER! MY SISTER!

25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! 27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home (John 19:25-27)

 

This statement of Christ epitomizes the power of the Cross, in breaking the dividing walls of hostility or division and building in Christ one new family. The statement seeks to create a new family based on his sacrificed body. Mary the Mother of Jesus was to see John as her son and John to see Mary as his mother. By extension, therefore, all the other disciples are to see themselves as brothers and sisters. A family united through the blood of the lamb.

26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise (Galatians 3:26-29),

No matter where we come from, our background, achievements and failures, experience or naivety, male or female, race or colour, rich or poor, educated or illiterate, foreigner or indigenous, Greek or Jew we are all one in Christ. A warm FAMILY

Indeed the bond of unity by the blood of Jesus is stronger than bond of unity from our biological parents. We should therefore do every thing possible to keep the unity of the body of Christ. Jesus makes it clear that whoever does the will of the father is his brother and sister.

For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. (Matthew 12:50)

In Christ therefore a new family has been established. One family bonded by the love of the Lord Jesus Christ.

It is therefore amazing when sometimes some believers treat each other as enemies and strangers. Let us, therefore, watch those who produce discord and division in the body of Christ.

Let true brothers and sisters of our Lord and savior come together to build one another up, rather than tearing each other apart. Let us learn to forgive each other and help restore our brothers and sisters who have backslidden. Let us show so much care for each other even when we disagree. Let us back our faith and confession with action.

We have only one enemy, the devil. Let us not even see those brethren who disagree with us as enemies. Even in extreme cases where they may stab us in the back, betray or work against us, let is still not in our heart see them as enemies. May we learn not to harbor hurt or bitterness in our heart no matter how much we feel shortchanged. Let us fight back with LOVE and BLESSINGS. May we not give the devil a foothold at all. For indeed God is able to work out all things for our good.

May the Spirit of brotherliness sweep over us and bring our hearts together in an awesome bond of unity and affection for each other.

YOU ARE MY BROTHER! YOU ARE MY SISTER. I LOVE YOU