Here in Browns Town, Jamaica, there are many believers. This month, we have had the privilege of attending several different Jamaican churches. It has been a unique experience and a pleasure, as they do many things differently than we do in our American churches. They worship differently, they do offering differently, and they conduct their services differently as a whole.
But one thing that I have noticed about the believers at the churches in Jamaica is a sense of unity in all things, but evident mostly in the way they refer to each other in conversation. The believers all call each other by their names, preceded by “Brother” or “Sister.” I have not once heard them refer to each other by name only. Not only do these believers call each other by their familial relationship, but they also treat each other like family. They cook together, laugh together, take us out to evangelize together, and carry each others’ burdens when there is a need. Through their interactions with each other, the love and unity they share is evident.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
( John 13:34-35 )
While I know this is probably practiced in churches all over the world, it is a refreshing reminder of what the church body truly is —— a family under the headship of our Father, who graciously adopted us all in His lovingkindness. In reflecting upon this, I wonder how much of the way they act towards each other is influenced by their constancy in referring to each other as family. If I were to constantly remember that those I’m living with and doing ministry with are my brothers and sisters, whom Christ loved with His never-ending faithful love and gave Himself so that we could be united with Him and with each other, I think my mindset about interacting with them would change drastically. If I was constantly reminded of who they are in God’s eyes, wouldn’t my disagreements with them and annoyances with them fade away in my awareness of God’s heart towards them?
“ Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
( 1 Peter 4:8-10 )
And while I don’t think it’s necessary that we call each other “Brother Kaydan” and “Sister Katherine,” I think it is crucial in Christian community to remind ourselves that we are family and to ask ourselves if we have been truly treating each other with honor, grace, and love. Are we treating our brothers and sisters in Christ as if they are worth the blood of Christ sacrificed not only for us, but for the people on the other side of our gossiping or quarreling as well? We were all bought with the same blood, and our worth comes from the same source.
One last thing I have been reminded of on this topic is that Kaydan is not only my husband, but he was first (and still is) my brother in Christ. This should always influence the ways that we interact in our marriage. Though I am not always good at it, I should cherish and encourage his relationship with the Lord. I should recognize that the grace of God covers his shortcomings just as much as it covers mine.
Please continue to keep us in your prayers as Kaydan and I prepare to transition from Jamaica to India, taking the love of Christ to an entirely new continent!
Also, here is the latest from Kaydan’s YouTube Channel:
