Integration

They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. - Acts 1:14

I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Peter and stayed with him fifteen days. I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother. - Galatians 1:18-20

The biological family of Jesus - his mother and his brother James - integrated into his chosen family. They were key leaders in the early community that formed in response to the Kingdom of God breaking in to the world.

Sometimes we get that kind of integration as well. It can look different in every family. Sometimes it can work well to choose them as our chosen family - our siblings, parents, children, aunts and uncles. What makes the difference is the shared values, the shared mission, the shared centering on the kingdom of God.

Are there ways you could be integrating your chosen family and your biological family? What might that look like for you? What are the potential pitfalls and potential celebrations? Talk with Jesus about these things - he knows the dynamics really well.