Family
We are a family—but not according to human definition.
Jesus did not assume we understood what family truly is—He redefined it. When He was told that His mother and brothers were looking for Him, He responded with a question that confronts our assumptions: “Who are My mother and My brothers?” And looking at those around Him, He said, “Behold My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3:33–35, NASB 95).
Family, then, is not first about biology—it is about relationship with God and shared obedience to Him. When we are reconciled to God, we are not just forgiven—we are brought into His family. We become sons and daughters of God, and therefore we become brothers and sisters with one another. This means we belong to each other—not casually, but deeply and intentionally—because we share the same Father and are walking in the same life.
Because of this, we share our lives. We eat together, spend time together, and walk through real life together. We celebrate together and we suffer together. We carry one another’s burdens, speak truth in love, forgive, restore, and grow together. This is where life takes root.
Just as a child needs a family for love, training, support, and nurturing, a new child of God needs the same. Spiritual life is not meant to grow in isolation—it is formed in the context of relationship with God and with His people. In this environment, we are not only cared for—we are developed.
As we grow into spiritual maturity, we also begin to participate in what God is doing. We see others brought to life through the gospel, and we walk with them as they grow. Just as we have been loved, trained, and supported, we then become those who love, train, and support others. This is how life multiplies.
In this way, we become fertile ground—a place where the life of God is not hindered by isolation, pride, or self-centeredness, but is able to grow freely through relationship, love, and shared life.
We don’t just attend something. We belong to one another.