I grew up in a house with Grandma. She was an Italian immigrant from the Sicily region. It was pounded into us that family and family ties were very important. We were taught to always defend family, to overlook some of their faults for the good of the family as a whole.

This was hard at times. In every family there were those who fell short of good moral standards. Sometimes you tried to influence your elders. Some might have bad habits or addictions that hurt the family in its effort to be a loving and nurturing unit for the children.

As followers of Christ, we have become a part of God’s family. And yes, we are called to overlook the sins of other followers in our Christian family, to refrain from judging. For Christ offers forgiveness for all of us through His ultimate sacrifice on the cross.

At the same time God calls us through His Holy Spirit to set an example for other members of His family. We should be loving, forgiving and true leaders of our faith. We glorify Our Father when we spread the good news of His unconditional love. His grace is offered to all sinners who choose to be adopted into His family.

As members of God’s family, let’s respond to the leading of His Holy Spirit. Amen?

Remember, He loves YOU unconditionally.

Maranatha

Joey

Ephesians 1:5-6 He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will- to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.