THE DIVINE LOVE FAMILY: CHOOSING GOD ABOVE ALL By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: Matthew 12:50
"For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother."
________________________________________
INTRODUCTION
Understanding the concept of family from a biblical perspective is essential for every believer. The world often defines family through biological ties, cultural traditions, and societal structures. However, Jesus Christ introduced a new and higher standard for His followers—one that is not bound by earthly relations but by obedience to God. The true family of God consists of those who listen to His Word and obey it. This teaching challenges believers to examine their priorities and align themselves with God’s Divine Love Family rather than earthly attachments that may hinder their walk with Him.
________________________________________
TRUE FAMILY: THOSE WHO OBEY GOD
Matthew 12:48-50
"But He replied to the man who told Him, ‘Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?’ And stretching out His hand toward His disciples, He said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.’"
Jesus Himself established that those who do the will of God are His true family. Many people struggle with this concept, holding on to biological family ties even when those relationships are not aligned with God’s purposes. The believer is called to prioritize God’s kingdom above all else, including their earthly relatives.
________________________________________
THE DANGER OF PREFERRING EARTHLY FAMILY OVER GOD
Luke 14:26
"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple."
Many believers suffer because they choose to obey their earthly families over God. When natural family members reject Christ, they may pressure the believer to compromise their faith. However, Jesus warned that anyone who loves their family more than Him is not worthy of Him. This does not mean believers should neglect their relatives but rather prioritize their obedience to God over human expectations.
________________________________________
THE CONSEQUENCES OF WRONG CHOICES
Matthew 10:37
"Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me."
Those who prioritize family over God often experience sorrow, frustration, and spiritual dryness. When a believer chooses to follow human traditions instead of divine instruction, they open themselves up to unnecessary struggles. Many miss out on God’s calling because they remain entangled in earthly obligations rather than pursuing God’s will.
________________________________________
THE IMPORTANCE OF CHOOSING GOD’S FAMILY
John 1:12-13
"But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God."
When believers accept Christ, they are born into a new family—the Divine Love Family of God. This family is eternal, unlike earthly families, which will pass away. God expects His children to embrace and support one another as fellow heirs in His kingdom. The love and unity found in God’s family surpass all natural relationships because they are founded on truth, holiness, and eternal purpose.
________________________________________
SUMMARY
Many people struggle with the tension between their earthly families and their spiritual obligations. However, Jesus set a clear example that God’s family takes precedence over natural relationships. Those who choose to follow Christ must be willing to forsake everything, including family ties, if they hinder their walk with God.
________________________________________
CONCLUSION
Choosing God’s family over earthly attachments is a test of true discipleship. It requires sacrifice, obedience, and unwavering faith in God’s provision. Believers who commit fully to God’s family will experience spiritual growth, divine favor, and eternal rewards.
________________________________________
CALL TO ACTION
Examine your heart today. Are you more loyal to your earthly family than to God’s Divine Love Family? Make a firm decision to put God first in all things. Commit to His purposes, align yourself with His will, and embrace the family that He has ordained for you.
________________________________________
FINAL WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Do not fear rejection from the world or even from your biological family. The Lord is your Father, and His family is eternal. Stand firm in your faith, knowing that God will strengthen and uphold you as you remain faithful to Him.
________________________________________
PRAYER OF SALVATION
Heavenly Father, I come before You in the name of Jesus Christ. I acknowledge that I have sinned and fallen short of Your glory. Today, I surrender my life to You. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He died for my sins, and that He rose again. I confess Him as my Lord and Savior. Lord, lead me by Your Spirit and help me to be part of Your Divine Love Family. Thank You for saving me and giving me eternal life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
