Listen

His mother and brothers arrived. They stood outside and sent word to him, calling for him. A crowd was seated around him, and those sent to him said, “Look, your mother, brothers, and sisters are outside looking for you.”

He replied, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Looking around at those seated around him in a circle, he said, “Look, here are my mother and my brothers. Whoever does God’s will is my brother, sister, and mother.”

Mark 3:31-35

Think

I grew up as a half-sister in my family, and things did not feel equal. I didn’t feel known and loved like my siblings. It always felt like they were more favored and had more of an advantage. Whether or not this was a reality, I definitely fought feelings of unworthiness and rejection, and feeling like I had to prove myself.

In our scripture for today, I believe Jesus is teaching that in the family of God ALL are loved, regardless of background or who we know. God is not partial because of our heritage by birth or rights. Our faithful, loving God desires a relationship with all of us, as God’s own children. We’re called to follow in the ways of Jesus. We’re loved as God’s children no matter what, and following Jesus’ example is a way we live into that love.

Amy Richards

Question to Ponder:

How can you live into God’s love for you today?

Pray

God, thank you that I am your child. Help me to bring your generous, kind, loving reign in my world today. One way I can do that is…

Give me courage to live into your love.

Amen.

Go

Go into the world today knowing that you are a child of God. God goes before you, Christ is within you, and the Holy Spirit will guide you. God is faithful, and God’s love for you never ends.