I have always had an interest in finding out who the people are that I am related to, but the older I get the more interested that I am. I know who the direct line is on my father’s side of the family all the way back to the 1200’s.

I recently visited with a cousin in Arkansas who has had a hobby of this sort of thing for many years and has compiled volumes of genealogical records and information about our family heritage. It is a wonderful feeling to have family members that love us and to be able to love them back.

As wonderful as it is to know and appreciate is just as important to realize and appreciate a spiritual family. In Ephesians 2:18-19 we are told that “through Him (Jesus Christ) we have access by one Spirit to the Father (God)”, and that we “are no longer strangers or foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God”.

There is a song we used to sing in church and part of the lyrics went like this: “I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God...”, and there is something special about getting together with people of like faith striving to work together to change the world around us for the good. Sometimes a spiritual family is closer to us than a physical family because we get to be with them more often. The good news is the scriptures tell us that there is a way for us to be able to live together and enjoy each other’s presence for eternity, which definitely can include our physical family. This is made possible through the forgiveness and grace offered to us through Jesus Christ.