Living in the Divine Family: A Call to Love, Unity, and Holiness By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.” — Romans 12:10 (NKJV)
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Introduction
The voice of God continues to resound in these turbulent times, calling His people to return to the foundational truths of divine family living. In a world marked by broken homes, betrayal, and spiritual barrenness, God issues a clarion call to His children to reflect the image of His Son through sacrificial love, unity, and righteousness. The divine message before us is not just a gentle encouragement—it is a holy summons to live out the reality of our spiritual adoption by the Father through Christ Jesus.
As partakers of the divine nature, we are not called to replicate the ways of the world—filled with envy, hatred, jealousy, sexual sin, and destructive behaviors—but to shine as lights of God’s love in a dark and perverse generation. This lesson unpacks God's heartfelt appeal for His people to treat one another with deep compassion, rejecting gossip, pride, and selfish living. It explores the weighty responsibility and glorious privilege of being part of God’s eternal family, and the call to walk in holiness, hope, and mutual edification.
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The Divine Family: A Sacred Bond of Love
From the beginning, God intended humanity to live in familial harmony. As His redeemed, we are not isolated believers—we are members of one spiritual household.
“Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” — Ephesians 2:19
The call to love one another is not a mere suggestion; it is a command deeply rooted in the very nature of God, who is love. The divine family is distinguished not by denomination or earthly status, but by shared adoption into God’s Kingdom through Christ. This love is active—it nurtures, protects, forgives, and uplifts.
The Lord makes it clear: He takes no pleasure in discord, strife, or jealousy among His people. As members of His family, we are to guard our hearts diligently, knowing that the enemy seeks to sow division through fleshly tendencies. The story of Cain and Abel is a sobering reminder of what happens when love is replaced by envy.
“Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.” — 1 John 3:15
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Cain and Abel: A Warning from the Past
The narrative of Cain and Abel reveals the consequences of jealousy and a hardened heart. Though they both belonged to the same family and were under the same divine expectations, Cain’s heart turned sour when God favored his brother’s offering. Instead of repenting, he murdered Abel—ushering in the first act of bloodshed in human history.
“Then the Lord said to Cain, ‘Where is Abel your brother?’ He said, ‘I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?’” — Genesis 4:9
Yes, in the divine family, we are indeed our brother’s keeper. The Lord's grief in this matter echoes through generations. It is a divine warning to all believers to put to death the seeds of bitterness before they bear deadly fruit. Gossip, slander, and backbiting are modern-day forms of spiritual murder.
“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.” — Ephesians 4:31
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The Disintegration of the Natural Family: A Sign of the Times
We live in an era where the very concept of family is under attack. Children are often raised in loveless environments, surrounded by worldly influences. Instead of receiving truth and affection at home, they are exposed to digital corruption that leads them astray.
“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves… disobedient to parents, unloving, unforgiving.” — 2 Timothy 3:1–3
God ordained the family structure as a reflection of His care and order. Even animals nurture their young, yet humanity, in many places, has forsaken the basic instincts of love and protection. As God’s people, we are called to rebuild what the world is tearing down. We must be examples of kindness, honor, and discipline to the younger generation.
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Hope in the Holy Spirit: Our Divine Guide
God has not left His children to wander in confusion. He has given us the Holy Spirit—the Comforter, the Counselor, the Convicter. Through the Spirit, we are guided into righteousness and empowered to love even when it's difficult.
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things.” — John 14:26
The divine family is meant to be a Spirit-led family. When we yield to the Spirit, we are enabled to live selflessly and generously. This is contrary to the spirit of the world, which encourages selfish ambition, pleasure-seeking, and moral compromise.
God warns His people not to conform to worldly standards. Sexual immorality, explosive tempers, and carnal indulgence should not be named among the saints. The Holy Spirit teaches us a better way—the way of purity, humility, and holy love.
“Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” — Galatians 5:16
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Unity Across Nations and Tribes: One Body in Christ
The divine family is global. Believers from every nation, race, and background are joined together under the lordship of Jesus Christ. This unity is not based on wealth, education, or status—but on shared faith.
“For you are all one in Christ Jesus.” — Galatians 3:28
It is dangerous and ungodly to look down upon others because they possess less materially. Such pride is condemned in Scripture. Instead, we are to honor those who walk faithfully, even in lack, for they too are beloved by God.
“Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom?” — James 2:5
We must view every believer—whether in rural Africa, urban Asia, or suburban America—as a co-heir of God’s eternal promises. The Holy Spirit may lead us to support one another, pray for distant brethren, or serve sacrificially.
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Summary
This message from the heart of God calls us back to our spiritual roots: to love, unity, and holiness within His divine family. We are reminded of the danger of envy, the corruption of worldly ways, and the need to be led by the Holy Spirit. God is grieved when His people mimic the world’s behavior. But He is pleased when we walk in the light, as children of the same heavenly household.
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Conclusion
We are not alone. We belong to an eternal family that transcends borders, denominations, and generations. This is not a light calling—it is a sacred charge. The way we treat one another, serve one another, and forgive one another is a reflection of our relationship with God. Let us honor the divine family by embracing humility, guarding unity, and choosing love.
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Call to Action
Examine your heart today. Have you held resentment toward another believer? Have you slandered, judged, or envied a brother or sister in Christ? Ask for forgiveness. Then actively seek ways to demonstrate divine love. Support the weak. Encourage the weary. Pray for the persecuted. Be your brother’s keeper. Let the world see in you a people set apart—a family built on righteousness and peace.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Beloved, you are not forgotten. You are cherished, guided, and covered by a God who calls you His child. Walk boldly in this identity. Love deeply. Serve joyfully. Forgive quickly. As you do, you will know the joy of divine fellowship and the peace of being right with God and man. The divine family is your inheritance—rejoice in it and live accordingly.
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Prayer of Salvation
Heavenly Father,
I come to You in the name of Jesus Christ. I confess that I am a sinner in need of Your grace. I believe that Jesus died for my sins and rose again so I might have eternal life. Today, I repent of my sins and turn to You with all my heart. Lord Jesus, come into my life and be my Savior and Lord. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and make me a new creation. Teach me to walk in Your ways and to live as a faithful member of Your divine family. Thank You for saving me. I receive Your gift of eternal life.
In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen.
