I John 4:19-21
We love because He first loved us. If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother (or sister), he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother (sister), whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And He has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother (sister).
The concept of "family" is to include all differences, accepting one another as we are, whether we agree or not. We may disagree on many issues, and we will offend each other from time to time; but we are to voice our complaints in a loving way within the family, without blaming or criticism. We are to love one another unconditionally, no matter what it costs us, as God loves us. We can do that by talking out our differences and being willing to come to some kind of agreement.
My dear Father, please teach us how to live in our Earthly families as we will live in Your Heavenly family, in the love with which You love us. Help us to accept each family member, recognizing the good and admirable in each other's personalities and characters, and reaching out compassionately to one another expecting eventual reconciliation of the differences that have built walls between us. Show us how we can demolish those walls, one stone at a time.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
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