Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Family: Place of Pure Love

Bible Reading: :St. Mark 3:31–35  

Key verse:  

Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” (St. Mark 3:34–35)

DEVOTION

We often define “family” as those connected by blood, those who share a home, or those who have a common history. However, in the selected passage, Jesus offers a deeper definition: “Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” This is not a casual remark, but a powerful declaration that true family is not based solely on biology but on love and obedience to God.
Family is meant to be rooted in obedience to God’s will. When Jesus declares that His true family consists of those who do God’s will, He reminds us that every family is called to active, intentional obedience. This obedience is not about rigid rule-following, but about living in trust and devotion to God. As families, we are called to obey, not out of fear, but out of love and reverence. Love fuels obedience, and obedience draws us deeper into the heart of God’s family.
At the heart of all families is love – a love that is unconditional, sacrificial, and enduring. While obedience aligns us with God’s will, it is love that sustains the bonds between family members. Love is more than an emotion; it is the very nature of God and the defining mark of His people. In family life, love keeps us connected through trials, disagreements, and differences. It enables forgiveness, fosters unity, and calls us to serve one another selflessly.
When a family is built on both love and obedience to God, it becomes not only strong in itself but also a living reflection of God’s presence and purpose in the world. May we, as families, be rooted in obedience and bound together by love, reflecting the heart of Christ as a witness of His grace to the world.

PRAYER

Lord, help us to grow as families that are rooted in obedience and strengthened by love. Teach us to follow Your ways with joy and to love one another as You have loved us. May we be a living witness to the world of what it means to be a Christ-centered family. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Without obedience and love, family is merely a human structure; but with both, it becomes a powerful testimony of the Gospel – an active and visible expression of God’s grace to the world.


Rev. Christopher Phil Daniel
Diocesan Program Manager & Vicar of Jerusalem MTC, Connecticut

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