“Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” – St Francis of Assisi

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Listen to my song “Make Me a Channel” on YouTube by clicking HERE.

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Luke 8:19-21

The mother of Jesus and his brothers came to him but were unable to join him because of the crowd. He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside and they wish to see you.” He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”

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Jesus was definitely not being disrespectful to his family since we know he wouldn’t do that.

Once again, he is exaggerating to make a point.

Jesus had a very expanded view of family.

He knew the importance of being included in a wider community who not only heard the word of God, but acted on it.

Action was required or what good was it?

As it says elsewhere in scripture: “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26).

For Jesus, all who got together to hear God’s word and who then went out to put those words into action were his family.

So, two important points today: First, find a community to share God’s word and to listen for how you are to respond.

Second, respond!

Go out into the world and be an instrument of love, mercy, forgiveness, compassion as well as justice to those most in need.

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Listen to the song of the day “Make Me a Channel” on the Listen to Your Heart album by clicking HERE.

Stream and/or purchase my songs on Amazon Music by clicking HERE.

Purchase my book “Listen to Your Heart: A Daily Devotional of Calling, Purpose and New Life” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Purchase my book “Mercy Reigns: A Daily Devotional of Compassion, Comfort and Healing” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Remember: God loves you!