Many think when Christians say we are one family, it is just talk. It is not real to them. Their tradition feels more real. The Word of God is not real to them.
Look at Jesus. One day Mary, his mother and His brothers came looking for Him while He was preaching in the temple. An usher came to Jesus and said, “Sir, your mother and brothers are waiting outside”. He replied and said, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother,” (Mark 3:33–35 NIV)
Your Christian brothers and sisters are the closest to you in life once you are born again, before your natural family members, who are not born again. Your spiritual relationships come first. According to the Bible, we are members of the body of Christ. The Bible says, “…as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ,” (1 Corinthians 12:12).
Think about your physical body. Your body has many members—your kidneys, lungs, heart, liver, and so on. Can any of these members be in a close relationship with members of another person’s body than they are to members of your body? No! Every member is fully connected. It would not make any sense if your kidney said it was closer to the lungs of your neighbours than the lungs in your body. All members are integrated and fully part of the same body.
In the same way, when you join the body of Christ, you are fully implanted in Him. It doesn't matter who you were before or what family you came from. Your nativity, your past, your culture—all are passed away. The Bible says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new,” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Your new identity is Christ. You are now a member of His body. No natural earthly relationship takes priority over your spiritual family. Many Christians don't understand this truth. This is why they struggle through life with lots of problems. Our oneness is a great asset; It's our safety.
The Bible reminds us that, “…[we] are the body of Christ, and members in particular,” (1 Corinthians 12:27 SBA). When you fully understand this truth, you will relate to your Christian family in love and unity. And you never be stranded or disadvantaged in life again.