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So then, while we have opportunity,

let’s do good to all people,

and especially to those who are

of the household of the faith.

~ Galatians 6:10

 

Good morning dear sister!

What do you think about when you read the term ‘sister’ or ‘brother’? Is it a title or a term of respect? Is it an acknowledgment of agreement like, ‘you’ve got that right, sister!’? Or can it indicate a close relationship between unrelated people? And, of course, we think of the familial relationship of sister/brother, whether biological or adopted.

I believe that all of those conditions are true these days, but I haven’t always thought that way! The whole sister/brother thing was completely new to me until I came to HCF! Throughout my walk with the Lord, I have been part of many ‘households of the faith’, but no one ever acted like they were related to each other! (except the ones who were actually related to one another!)

So, why does calling each other sister or brother make a difference? The most obvious thing to me is that it keeps us all connected to each other! It keeps reminding me that we are walking this walk together, remembering that we are all children of the same Father and that His Holy Spirit dwells in each of us. 

Each natural family has its own ‘flavor’, developed by experience, talents, quirks and histories. Our Father God brings us into His family as strangers and foreigners. He refines the goodness He has poured into us and purifies the bad we have brought upon ourselves, giving us a new name…. sister, brother!

When I first arrived at HCF, the thought of being called ‘sister’ was a bit overwhelming! But it was a nice kind of ‘whelm’! As I began calling others sister/brother (which in the beginning was very handy as I tried to learn people’s names), and seeing their response, I began feeling accepted and knit in right away! 

This is a great gift of goodness and kindness to visitors and newcomers!! The surprising aspect is that it encouraged me to reciprocate that gift to others! When someone does a good turn for you, it makes you want to do something good for someone else! That’s how it works in the kingdom of God, or even just His household!

We build up our own faith when we do good for others. It is very satisfying to know that we’ve been a good influence or we’ve made someone’s day a little better! Doing good for others edifies the people we serve too, both those in and out of the household of the faith! It gives us an opportunity to share the goodness of God, and to give hope and comfort to those we meet every day. 

After a while, the news of those good deeds begins to spread, even outside the ‘household’, and it grows into a reputation! That reputation becomes our testimony! Our testimony reminds us of God’s faithfulness and goodness in our own lives! Remembering Him builds us up and strengthens our faith! It’s a win/win/win!

So, my dear sister, I’m offering you a challenge today! Next Sunday, when you’re in church, look behind you or (gasp!) even across the aisle! Find someone that you don’t know by name or haven’t ever spoken to and introduce yourself! Welcome them into the household of the faith, even if they’ve been around for 100 years, your welcome will do them good!

We are part of the family of God, and if He knows us each by name then we should make a point of learning about our sisters and brothers that we worship with! God created the institution of family and it is where, as human beings, we are meant to thrive!

Just as He is good, He has created us for His good works. While we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith!

God bless you my sister! Tell me of all your good deeds so I have something to write about next week!

With love, your sister (Yay!), Celeste