Catechism: The FamilySample

We all resemble our families in some ways. From the way we look to the way we talk, think, and relate to others, there’s no doubt our families influence who we are. When we join God’s family, the church, it makes sense that we start to resemble our heavenly Father. The more time we spend with our brothers and sisters in Christ, the more we become like Christ. We become people marked by love and generosity, and our priorities begin to align with God’s work of redemption in the world. One marker of God’s family that separates it from our culture is unity. Being united doesn’t mean being uniform. We don’t have to erase our unique cultures or traditions to follow Jesus. In God’s design, diversity isn’t divisive! Diversity within the people of God is a marvelous display of how people, who were once strangers, have become family, brothers and sisters reflecting their heavenly father in different but beautiful ways. Read: Philippians 2:1-5 Reflection Questions: * This passage begins and ends with Jesus. Why do you think it’s important to remember His example of love and humility as we try to live it out ourselves? * We live in a divided culture, with people seeming to take sides over every issue. How does the church offer an alternative for all this division and bitterness? How can the church unite different types of people and still celebrate what makes them unique? * Paul, the author of this passage, shares a list of “do’s” and “don’t’s” for the family of God. Which ones are most difficult for you to practice? Ask God to help you in these areas. Share with a friend or mentor the areas where you want to grow and ask them to hold you accountable!