Father or Uncle?

I’ve never had children. I am blessed to have had lots of nieces and nephews and it was a joy to have walked one of my nieces down the aisle to get married. When they were younger it was fun spending time with them, playing, hanging out, talking and then saying goodbye as they returned to their parents. Most uncles and aunts will have limited influence on their nieces and nephews. Parents are the ones that will struggle though the hardships of life and experience the joys associated with being a parent and then a grandparent.

Attending a corporate church once a week is kind of fun. Coffee and donuts in the foyer, greeting those around you, singing and worshiping, hearing an inspired speaker, a closing prayer and then home. I would say for most it averages an hour a week, for some there might be a midweek service or other activities. I would suggest going to a corporate church is like visiting your niece or nephew, have some fun but then you leave to go back to your normal life not really engaging in the intimate part of any ones life.

Parenting is not easy and doing life in a House church is not easy. You can’t hide and wearing a mask doesn’t work. People quickly see who you are and what you truly believe. Our culture and life experiences have shaped our personalities and our belief systems, sometimes for the best and sometimes not so much. We all have different ideas, theologies, gifts and struggles but when we decide to do life together we supernaturally become connected as sisters and brothers and commit our lives to Christ and each other. We love each other despite our differences.

Understanding our shortcomings and understanding that Christ still loves us despite those shortcomings allows us to show the same grace to others. As family we are committed to each other and we are committed to experiencing life together, not only one day a week but throughout the week. We bear fruit as we learn to love each other and pray for each other, allowing Christ to do the hard work of conforming us to His image.

Parents may be frustrated with their children at times but I would assume the joy and love they feel as their children grow and mature far outweighs any frustration. I pray the Lord finds joy as He sees us loving and caring intimately with our brothers and sisters.