JOHN 13:34-35 – A FAMILY RESPONSIBILITY
From a national survey of strong families conducted by the Human Development and Family Department at the University of Nebraska- Lincoln, a profile of a strong family:
Appreciation. “Family members gave one another compliments and sincere demonstrations of approval. They tried to make the others feel appreciated and good about themselves.”
Ability to Deal with Crises in a Positive Manner. “They were willing to take a bad situation, see something positive in it and focus on that.”
Time Together. “In all areas of their lives–meals, work, recreation–they structured their schedules to spend time together.”
High Degree of Commitment. “Families promoted each person’s happiness and welfare, invested time and energy in each other and made family their number one priority.”
Good Communication Patterns. “These families spent time talking with each other. They also listened well, which shows respect.”
High Degree of Religious Orientation. “Not all belonged to an organized church, but they considered themselves highly religious.” (1983) Human Development and Family Department at the University of Nebraska- Lincoln.
The best of families take responsibility to their families seriously!
If you are a born-again Christian, you are a member of the best family ever, The Family of God! Our local church is a local representation of that family! In our morning services we’ve been “Talking Church as a Family”. This morning let’s talk about a Family Responsibility which our Lord Jesus Christ has assigned to us.
Read John 13:34-35
IT’S A COMMAND! – A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another;
This commandment was old (Leviticus 19:18) yet new!
- New Savior – Romans 5:6-9
- New Sovereign – Romans 10:9-10
- New Standard (See below.)
- New Strength – Romans 5:5, Galatians 5:22
IT’S A COMBINED EFFORT – …that you love one another;
- We must give love to our brothers and sisters.
- We must receive love from our brothers and sisters.
- This love is Agape love and therefore will cost us.
IT’S A CHALLENGE – …as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
- Accepting others as He accepts us. (Includes forgiveness.) Ephesians 4:30-32
- Available to Others as He is available to Us.
Matthew 11:28-30, Romans 12:10-15
- Acting on behalf of others as He acted and acts on behalf of us. Galatians 6:9-10
IT’S A COMMERCIAL – … By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
- Watch our 1 John 3:16-17, Matthew 5:16
- Watch our Romans 14:4, James 4:11-12, Ephesians 4:29, Colossians 4:6
