12-26-21 Daily Devotion

Sunday Reflection: No Divisions Among You God has called His children to live as one big close family and to not be divided by differences. December 26, 2021 To get the most out of this devotion, set aside time to read the Scripture referenced throughout. Tribalism, a sense of loyalty and belonging to a group, can be a healthy thing when it helps us understand where we fit and to how to function together. When taken to extremes, however, it leads to polarization and hostility. This is especially common when we meet someone who doesn’t look, think, or worship the way we do. But Christ calls us to a better way. When someone told Jesus that His family was waiting outside, He replied, “Who is My mother, and who are My brothers? ... Whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother, and sister, and mother” (Matt. 12:48-50). There are no “in” or “out” groups with Jesus, no special circle or clique. In Him, we are one family, whole and inviolate, and petty differences shouldn’t separate us. (See 1 Cor. 1:10.) Think about it Consider your church family. Does everyone look and think the way you do? How might you go about forming bonds with other believers who, though different in many ways, are your brothers and sisters in Christ? Bible in One Year: 2 John 1, 3 John 1, Jude 1