Family.

One of the best gifts God gave us on this earth is family. The first love, the first creation of a home, the first child that made the two who came together a family. And more…All the many, many blessings of a family.

We’ve just spent time with our children then a day with my siblings and their families. We shared laughter, fun, and memories.

Aren’t memories one of those funny things? You never know what each remembers and what might trigger a memory.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

I think this verse should be made into a sign at each entry of a home to remind us what’s most important. It should remind us that above all – we should reflect the love of God who first loved us.

“We love because he first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19

Families teach us how to live among other people and how to be considerate of others.

“And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” – Luke 6:31

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” – Romans 12:18

If there’s anyone we should care about and love most – that should be the close members of our family.

• “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” – Colossians 3:15

Family members are the ones we should be closest to. The sibling relationship is the longest relationship you will have in your lifetime.

“The Lord watch between you and me, when we are out of one another’s sight.” – Genesis 31:49

“God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble.” – Psalm 46:1

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” – Proverbs 17:17

The family gives you strength, encourages you and supports you – no matter what!

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13

“Honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself.” – Matthew 19:19

“Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.” – Proverbs 17:6

“My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad indeed.” – Proverbs 23:15

I know it is very possible for some family members to not get along. After all, each has different personalities, likes, and dislikes. I understand that conflict can come – there’s no other group that is put together where you are called to love one another, yet can get so close as to perhaps behave unthoughtfully toward another.

That’s why, I believe, God gave us the opportunity to forgive and to show what it means to be forgiven by Him. God forgave us all of everything that we have ever done that was wrong and separated us from Him. How can we do any less to those around us?

The family gives us the opportunity to have the best friends as well. We can have those in our lives that we can depend upon and turn to.

Family teaches us so much about our relationship with our Heavenly Father. How wonderful family is! How wonderful the gift of the husband-wife relationship and the blessing of children! How marvelous it is to have an extended family.

As Christians, we are adopted into God’s family and we now have Jesus Christ as our ‘brother’ and numerous brothers and sisters – whom we all are told to love.

Love is the greatest above all gifts from God. I am determined to reveal that as much as possible to those around me. I am determined to let the light and love of God show through me so that others may know of His love and the opportunity within themselves to reflect that love.

Family – what a wonderful gift. Love – what an awesome blessing and responsibility.

“So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” – Romans 12:5