The spiritual element of family relationships is not merely a “good spirited” relationship or being “kindred spirits” with another. It comes from our true spiritual nature. We are created as spiritual creatures. However, with that in mind, we realize from the Bible that without the renewing of our spirit from Jesus Christ we are spiritually dead.
SPIRITUALLY ALIVE
This is one of the human essentials that we often struggle the most with for many reasons. There are many interpretations on what it means to be “spiritual.” I literally just take it from the Bible. The book of the everlasting God comes to us through thousands of years of history, and experientially through millions of people. I know that there are many questions about the truth of the Bible, but let’s leave it at that. Let’s save that for another discussion.
If we are not living spiritually alive then we cannot connect spiritually with others either. Our relationship to Jesus Christ is foundational here. Our selfish nature and breaking God’s laws separate us from Him. Jesus died in our place because the penalty for sin is death. In our coming to Jesus for forgiveness of sin, acknowledging His death as payment for our sin, and turning our lives from selfishness to living His ways; we find freedom from the guilt and punishment that would have been ours. Now we are alive spiritually, born again.
A TRUE ESSENTIAL
Without being alive spiritually we are missing something both in ourselves and relationally. There is an added dimension when we are able to include God in our relationships. In our marriages and in parenting it is the elements of Godly wisdom, eternal truth, and empowerment for life. The Bible says that where the Spirit of God is there is help and hope. Think about our family situations: marriage misunderstandings, parenting inadequacies, not to mention critical situations that come up periodically. We can only meet these things in the power of God if we are alive to the power of God. We can only relate to others spiritually if we are in relationship with Jesus Christ ourselves.
Next time we will discover the exciting life of relating spiritually with our family members as well as others.
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