Listen to this devotion
Becoming Family
In the Word
God places the lonely in families … (Psalm 68:6a NLT).
Of the Word
Some people live within a few miles of their family members; others measure the distance in time zones. Some consider the proximity too constrictive; others ache to be closer to home. In each situation, there are those who are lonely. Surprised? Our God is not, and He understands. We are a very mobile society, and it is evident in our churches.
It is quite common for our membership to include transplants from other towns, states, or countries. Even in smaller congregations individuals may feel excluded. Our caring Father understands our need to be connected and accepted. His compassion is obvious in the words, God places the lonely in families (Psalm 68:6a NLT). Think how often Jesus reached out in compassion to the solitary and isolated.
We can all learn to be more welcoming. When opportunities arise, talk to someone new at Sunday coffee hour. Introduce yourself to an unfamiliar person. Invite someone to Bible study or choir. Expect delightful consequences! This spirit of love might change an ordinary Sunday into a true family reunion!
Walking with my Lord
Lord, fill me with the courage and compassion to reach my hand out in Christian friendship to someone I don’t know. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 5/30 ©2013 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation. Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
