Are they perfect? Mostly. (Smiling.) But there are times when one or two of them might tease a little too hard, push, pull, or manipulate the emotions of another and the disagreements arise until all is settled down again by loving, disciplined parents, as was taught to them.

At the height of the raised voices or merely sarcastic comments that hurt, it hurts our heart. We love them so much and we want them to love each other as much as we love them.

So, it is with God. He loves us, REALLY loves you and me. It breaks His heart to see us fight over silly things that won’t matter in a few days, weeks or years. It breaks His heart when we cut each other off at the knees with our comments. We are GOD’s family in Christ, because of Jesus Christ. As sad as disagreements make us when our kids misbehave or fight with each other, it grieves God more. God came down, sent His Son, whom He loved, to show us how to love each other well, in the “most excellent way” as Paul puts it. That way to love is unconditional. No matter what is said or done to us, we love them back, We never stop loving…that’s love without conditions.

I think all these thoughts and my heart swells with more love for my brothers and sisters in Christ as we read the next passage Paul writes to his brothers and sisters in Galatia.

Galatians 3, The Message
In Christ’s Family
28-29 In Christ’s family there can be no division into Jew and non-Jew, slave and free, male and female. Among us you are all equal. That is, we are all in a common relationship with Jesus Christ. Also, since you are Christ’s family, then you are Abraham’s famous “descendant,” heirs according to the covenant promises.

What do we learn?
–We are heirs WITH Christ! We ARE family. As we worship this morning, think on these things about the people sitting all around you in corporate worship. See them as FAMILY, in Christ. See them through our Papa’s eyes, God, our Father in Heaven, as He looks down with smiles on us!
–Encourage each other.
–We are all in this together! In Christ!

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for Your Word that encourages us with just a few short sentences this morning. “In Christ” with Christ living in all of us who believe opens our eyes to see more clearly. The closer we get to You, the closer we will get to each other. You love us. We love You. AND, In Christ, we love each other the same because in You we ARE the same. Wow, thank you for loving us without conditions. Continue to be with us this moring. Help us to stay focused on this thought….In Jesus Name, Amen