FAMILY

Paul, an apostle, wrote to the church in Thessalonica:

“But we were very gentle with you, like a mother caring for her little children. Because we loved you, we were happy to share not only God’s Good News with you, but even our own lives. You had become so dear to us! Brothers and sisters, I know you remember our hard work and difficulties. We worked night and day so we would not burden any of you while we preached God’s Good News to you. When we were with you, we lived in a holy and honest way, without fault. You know this is true, and so does God. You know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children. We encouraged you, we urged you, and we insisted that you live good lives for God, who calls you to his glorious kingdom.” (1 Thessalonians 2:1-12)

Three times, Paul uses the term ‘brothers and sisters’ (vs.1,9,17) and then mentions his love and care for them ‘as a mother caring for her children’ (v.7), and ‘we treated each of you as a father treats his own children’ (v.11). This sounds like Family.

We need someone to pick us up from our lowest lows and celebrate with us on our highest highs… and just cruise with us during normal normal. This is usually family or a friend that is as close as family.

“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.” Jesus