Focus on the Family

"My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

John 13.33-35

I’m thinking about how a person on their death bed’s priorities becomes so clear in their final moments. The things said or the things most important are relationships and loved ones. Jesus here was just about to be arrested and His disciples were about to scatter. It’s like He parted with the best advice or instructions anyone could give: love one another so that others will know what family You belong to. The importance and urgency is amplified by reflection on His 3 years in ministry and the price He was willing to pay for us. Before we even step out into the world to evangelize we must take care of our own relationships within the body of Christ! We need to build, repair & love one another as Jesus loves.

Do I have healthy Christian relationships? Even before trying to be there for big events like sickness or congratulatory, am I there to do life with another? Nope, not even close. I’m selfish and it takes considerable effort for me to make time so that I can just talk story with another. If there was a purpose of the conversation then great, something to analyze or fix but when it comes to sharing emotions it’s hard. Jesus didn’t just teach all the time, they broke bread together and shared life. I need to make this a priority in my life to spend time with my family, friends and others God crafted into my life.

Father God, family is where it’s at. You designed us for relationships and family is the core. LORD, why did I ever think pleasing You was about going off without my family even if it meant doing Your will? Forgive me LORD for my selfishness. I pray that Your mighty Spirit holds my hand as I learn to put this as a priority in my life. I pray for repaired and strengthened relationships starting with You and my wife. Thank You Father God for being patient and compassionate with Your child. In the wonderful name of Christ Jesus I pray, Amen!