Family

You don't choose ‘em, you can’t lose ‘em.

The Apostle Paul’s heartfelt longing for the salvation of his fellow Israelites underscores the importance of cherishing and fostering a sense of kinship within the family of God. Whether we like it or not, we are all part of one family. God’s family. To quote Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, “We do not choose one another, and we cannot lose one another.”

In his letter to the Romans, Paul’s deep love for his people is palpable. He expresses a willingness to sacrifice his salvation if it meant the redemption of his fellow Israelites. Paul is not being sentimental. His thoughts reflect Christ’s love that binds us as a family. Our journey following Christ is not solitary but one that intertwines with the destinies of those around us. Just as Paul yearned for the salvation of his kin, we are called to fervently pray and work for the spiritual well-being of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

The Israelites were chosen as God’s people, entrusted with divine covenants, laws, and promises. This legacy emphasizes the intimate relationship between God and God’s people, rooted in grace. Similarly, as members of the body of Christ, we are recipients of immeasurable grace. We have been adopted as children of God, called into a fellowship that transcends borders, cultures, and backgrounds. This unity in diversity mirrors the beauty of God’s creative design.

One of my family’s favorite bands is Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors. Thanks to friends who are more like family, we passed our time at home during the pandemic listening to songs like “End of the World” and “Family.” “Family” encapsulates the essence of God’s familial love. The lyrics speak of the warmth and comfort found within the embrace of loved ones. The song’s chorus, “I got my friends, and I got my kin, I got the Lord and love that won’t end,” echoes the truth that our earthly and spiritual families are gifts from God. Just as earthly families provide a haven of acceptance and belonging, our heavenly family offers unshakable support and refuge in times of trial.

The chorus’s mention of the Lord’s unwavering love (aka grace, which at this point, you may be tired of hearing about) draws a parallel with Paul’s affirmation of God’s enduring faithfulness in Romans 9. Amidst life’s challenges, we find solace in knowing that God’s love remains constant, even if the world around us is ever-changing. Just as a loving earthly family provides a sense of identity and purpose, our family in Christ nurtures and empowers us to grow in Christ-likeness.

In a world marred by division, Paul’s letter underscores the urgency of cultivating a heart of love within the family of believers. The example set by Paul’s earnest desire for the salvation of his people inspires us to pray earnestly for the well-being of our family. By nurturing a heart of love, we can bridge divides, heal wounds, and bear witness to the transformative power of God’s love.