My Brother

Photo by Travis Grossen on Unsplash

My Scripture reading this morning was from 1 John 3:1. “What great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!”

If God is my Father, then Jesus is my Brother.  

We are family.

I can’t describe the depth of emotion those words create. 

Even though he died when I was very young, I still miss my earthly brother. I think of him every day. What kind of man would he be had he lived? Would he have a family? What kind of career would he have chosen? Would we still be as close as we were when we were little? My heart says we would.

This scripture passage reminds me I have another Brother. One who is both in heaven and here on earth with me. I’ve seen him, talked with him, hugged him, and basked in his love. He has promised to be with me always, even unto death. Even then, he has promised to escort me into heaven when my time comes to leave this earth.  

They call me daughter and sister even though I’m flawed, sinful, and imperfect, and still my Father offered my Brother as an atonement for my sins, and my Brother willingly obeyed. They love me that much.

What do they ask in return? Only that I love them back and try to mold myself after them. Try being the important word. They both know I’ll fail again and again, but as my Brother told me, it is the trying that counts.

Oh, Father, words cannot describe the depth of my gratitude for choosing me as one of your children. Help me this day to emulate my Brother’s virtues. Amen.