I will thank the LORD with all my heart as I meet with his godly people. —Psalm 111:1

When I was young, a favorite song in our church for greeting time began with the words, “I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God!” Recently, I was reminded of the great privilege of being part of that family, when my husband and I made a trip to Mexico. 

We were invited by friends serving in a church in Sahuayo, Michoacan—friends who over the years have brought five groups from Mexico to Belize. We always love hosting these groups, as we’ve found them prepared to serve and ready to share Jesus with everyone they meet. After their most recent trip in 2023, my husband and I were invited to visit them in Sahuayo, preaching and teaching, but most important, spending time with the church family and getting to know each other. 

Neither my husband nor I had visited Sahuayo before. But from the moment we arrived and throughout our stay, I felt like we were with family. Conversation flowed freely, in a jumbled-up mixture of Spanish and English. We laughed together and told each other our sorrows and difficulties. We also shared stories of God’s faithfulness and gave Him praise. We were welcomed by many who had visited Belize and met many more who are hoping to come soon. We were with family.

It is easy to feel like we are alone in the world, whether personally or as a church. We can forget that being God’s child means we have many, many brothers and sisters.  We are part of an immense family that stretches around the world. There are cultural differences, but we have the same Father. We speak different languages but have in common the language of love.

When we meet with our church family on Sunday mornings, it’s good to remember that there are also church families meeting together around the world, some like and others very different from ours.

Being part of God’s family is a wonderful gift. The next time you are in church, take a look around at all the sisters and brothers you have in that one place.

You might feel like you don’t have much in common with these people.  But remember, if you and they have received the gift of forgiveness through Jesus, you have the same Father. You share in the blessings God has poured out on His children. If you don’t know what to talk about, start with what God has done in your life and go from there. Focus on what you have in common, and begin to get to know your family.

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