Loving the Family You Didn’t Pick

Devotional Reading: “Love your spiritual family.” – 1 Peter 2:17 MSG

We don’t get to choose our spiritual family the way we choose outfits or favourite songs. God brings different people together in the Body of Christ—each one unique, sometimes challenging, but all valuable. Loving your spiritual family isn’t about convenience; it’s about commitment.

Real love takes patience. It grows when we choose to understand rather than react, to forgive rather than hold grudges. Yes, there may be moments when someone says something out of line or forgets your good deeds and never said thank you, but love doesn’t vanish because of friction.

Jesus said the world would know we are His disciples by the way we love one another—not by our church attendance, our singing voice, or our social media posts. Love is visible in how we respond when misunderstandings happen or when someone is struggling.

It’s easy to love when things are smooth. But spiritual maturity is loving when it’s uncomfortable. When we do this, we reflect the unity and diversity that makes the church a beautiful picture of God’s grace.

Prayer and Confession
Lord, help me to love my spiritual brothers and sisters sincerely. Teach me to walk in patience, humility, and compassion.

Further Reading: 1 John 4:7–12, Colossians 3:12–14, Ephesians 4:1–3