Church Family Relationships
It is a tragedy of human communities is that those called to be best are often sorely tempted.
Even more disturbing is that we humans, even though we are disciples of Christ,
often don’t see who we are or what we are doing.
Despite being chosen, royal, holy, God’s beloved,
we let our spite and self-importance rule our behaviour,
we choose unholy means to promote ourselves or deflate others.
Nevertheless, we ARE God’s own. God loves us and is always merciful. May we repent.
May we rejoice in our family the Church.
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people,
in order that you may proclaim the excellence of him
who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.
Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people;
once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
1 Peter 2: 9-10a
The ideal church family prays for the wellbeing of all. The Diocese of Sodor and Man writes:
‘We want to make life better for everyone, including ourselves, through faith in Jesus Christ.
We want life in our communities, churches, nation,
and as individuals to be enriched by the Gospel and reflect the joy of the Kingdom of God’.