The gift of brotherhood / sisterhood.
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.| Friends love through all kinds of weather, And families stick together in all kinds of trouble. (MSG) A friend loves at all times, |
We are living in times whereby friendship has developed into a stronger covenant in people's lives more than the brotherly love within families. A friend and a brother, are both essential persons needed in and around the life of an individual but the problem comes when we fail to differentiate the value of the two and where to place them.
Now from the above scripture, though a friend appears to be loyal it is very important to understand that a brother is born for a reason. That is to provide support and companionship during difficult times and this points to the familial bond that should exist between siblings.
Therefore, this also means that even if a friend can be true throughout, there are certain limitations or boundaries that he cannot cross. For example, each family here has its own pattern of life which is best understood by siblings and not friends, hence calls for a brother to address.
However, the realisation of the gift of brotherhood and sisterhood in families can only be achieved when we start to consider and value one another in a family set up as well as complimenting the similarities or differences each one has bearing in mind that what unites a family is greater than what divides it. The church, which is you and me has a mandate to strengthen this gift of brotherhood and sisterhood in families.
As I wrap up my dear brothers and sisters, while a friend's love can be readily available, remember a sister or brother is part of you, is born for you, there is a blood tie. Many people are replacing the gift of family because of wanting to belong somewhere or to have material things to suit a style.
But today as the Lord has given you and me the privilege to have this devotion in our ears. Let us learn something and stop looking down upon our brothers and sisters or replace them for any cause, it is indeed a gift to have that brother or sister on your side. Amen.
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Tariro Mupfururi: Wife to Regis, a mother to Munashe, Nokutenda, Anashe and Anotida.
Serving at Mufakose UPCSA in the Presbytery of Zimbabwe.
