We Are All God’s Family
Patricia Cole of Kansas City, MO, USA
While he was still speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers were standing outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, “Look your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you”. But to the one who had told him this, Jesus replied, “Who is my mother and who are my brothers?” And pointing to his disciples he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” -Matthew 12:46-50 NRSV
Many of us use social media. We get our news, keep in touch with friends, respond to prayer requests, receive entertainment, and more. So many times I have read well-meaning posts about our families and how important they are. I have replied to some of these posts, but mostly I read them and go to the next in the feed. One of the latest I read came from the website, Womenworking.com:
My greatest treasure is, was and will always be my family.
They may not be perfect, but I love them
with all my heart.
As I read this, I was left with an uncomfortable feeling. My thoughts went to all those in the world who are unloved, who are not family. Our families are special to all of us. We love each other because we are a family. We spend time together and learn to accept one another and forgive each other, because we are family.
But what about those who do not have the blessing of a family? Can we view others in this world the same as we view our own family and love them as brothers and sisters? We have been called “to the great and marvelous work of building the peaceable kingdom” (Doctrine and Covenants 162:1b). Can we see the world as God sees it? God has promised his Spirit to be with us always. God has freed us to love, freed us to not judge, and freed us to forgive all others. May our actions and words bring love and comfort to all of God’s family.
Prayer Phrase
In God, I live and move and have my being.
Spiritual Practice
Breathing in the Spaces
When you move into different spaces throughout your day, consciously place yourself in the new setting with a desire to be alert to God’s presence. Over time, simply taking a deliberate breath will remind you that you are in God’s presence and that you want to be alert to God’s purposes in that setting. When entering the different spaces in your day (workplace, a colleague’s office, a restaurant or place of business, school or places where people meet) pause and take a deliberate breath. When returning home, pause to take a breath. As you take a deep breath, breathe in the goodness of the profound presence and purposes of God in each place you find yourself. Allow yourself to be drawn to people who may be blessed in simple ways by you being aware of them as persons of worth. -adapted from missionalleaders.org
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
