There are many kinds of families: small or large, nuclear or extended. We are even encouraged to think of our church congregations as family. Some families get along very well, while others aren’t quite up to the task. Sometimes adult siblings don’t talk to each other for years, and in some families, bickering appears to be the norm. We have various ways of dealing with the situation in unsettled families: some use avoidance techniques, some ignore each other, and some just argue continuously.
These are not the kinds of situations God wants us to be in. They can be stressful. People can get hurt. Animosity can lead to divisions. These things can lead us farther from, rather than closer to God, who created family to be a blessing.
This is why the psalmist promotes the idea of unity in the family by expressing how wonderful it is. The united family can accomplish great things, including finding the joys of serving God together. Such a family has discovered that respect for others, even when there are differences, is very important. God created each of us and longs for us each to respect each individual of creation.
Creating Lord, thank you for the gift of family. May I have the peace of a united family in my life so that I can serve faithfully and well. Amen. — LGR