How to be Family

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. 1 John 3:1 ESV

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22 ESV

How to be Family

1) Calling 

A sense of calling is critical to contentment in community. 

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3 ESV

2) Commitment

No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God. Luke 9:62 NLT

Let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation. James 5:12 ESV

3) Patience

With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2 ESV

Proud people are rarely ever patient. - Humility creates a patient place in your heart for others. 

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12 ESV

Self control is a patient response to disappointment and frustration. 

4) Grace 

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8 ESV

Grace is a gift that must be shown to be known.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8-9 ESV

5) Compassion

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Ephesians 5:1-2 NLT 

Love without compassion isn’t the love God gave or the love God gifted us to give.

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NLT

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:12-14 ESV