Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

26 September 2025

Reading From Galatians 5

“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.”

—Galatians 5:13-15

     In these divisive times we find ourselves in, it is vital to the health and even survival of our churches that we remember to love our neighbors as ourselves.  This means treating one another as we would have them treat ourselves.  I would like for others to listen respectfully to what I have to say and so therefore I need to afford the same courtesy to my brothers and sisters.  Church should be a safe place for us to be vulnerable and honest without fear of judgment. 

     When it comes to the essentials of our faith, we should be united as one heart and mind.  In non-essentials (points of doctrine that are peripheral and matters of personal preference), we should live and let live.  Divisions will lead to our destruction. In all things we need to treat each other with the same love, grace and mercy that Jesus treats us.  As we do so, our communities of faith will not only survive, but thrive. 

“Lord Jesus, I know it grieves You to see the way that many of my brothers and sisters treat one another.  I pray that You would forgive us and show us how to truly listen and love.  Help us to remain together as Your family as we partner with You in expanding Your Kingdom and making this world a better place.  In the Name of Jesus Christ I pray these things, Amen.”

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.

—Galatians 5:6