I was reading a devotional recently (Imperfectly Perfect by David Busic) and found this insight which I thought would make a good seed for life with family. Here’s what David wrote:

Why must “a certain man” always have “two sons” (Luke 15:11, KJV)?
Why must there be Cain and Abel?
Why must there be Isaac and Ishmael?
Why must there be Jacob and Esau?
Why must there be Joseph and ten surly brothers?4
Why must there always be the “other” brother (or sister)?

My dad had a brother – Bill – who led a life quite opposite to the values and love of the family for most of his life. His behaviour caused him to spend time in prison – and so when I think of two sons who were not like each other – it could be Bill and Bud!

Questions about family are real. I have two sisters – no brothers though I have told Terry he’s a brother..but you know what I mean. I love my sisters though I wish the age gap wasn’t so great between us. I was heading out of “home” when they were very young.

Yes, we have family, and with family comes health, personality, distance, disagreement, and woes . I was talking to our corps officer (pastor) yesterday and he was talking about how the demands of people continue through the year and there is no “slow” time. Of course not, humanity is not scheduled by the calendar. It is the very nature of life.

Now be assured I love my family and no doubt they love me – I mean come on – I’m loveable! And I’m not saying that we are a family filled with trouble but we’re people. Your family is filled with people!

Jesus said, in this life, you will have trouble (John 16:33) but this declaration follows the promise from Jesus that peace can be found in him. So, you can’t find peace in your family? Aren’t sure why your family isn’t peaceful and perfect? How about that? And beyond your family – what about others?

“⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. ⁴⁴ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵ so that you may be children of your Father in heaven. For he causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. ⁴⁶ For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? ⁴⁷ And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what are you doing out of the ordinary? Don’t even the Gentiles do the same? ⁴⁸ Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Dear Lord, help us to love those who come along our way, no matter who they are or what they represent. Help us to trust you in times of trouble and to share with others your peace. And may your peace cover our minds and hearts. In Jesus name, Amen.