r, however, I began to get closer to them. This past summer I spent a lot of time with my little brother. We went to lots of baseball games and spent many days working outside or relaxing and swimming. As they have gotten older we are able to relate to each other more.
My relationship with my parents, like my one with my siblings, is a very active one. They have always been involved in my life and in my interests starting at a young age. My Dad was always active in my scout troop and we have gone to some pretty cool places. From backpacking in New Mexico to canoeing in Maine my dad did it all with me. While my mom wasn’t as active in those kinds of experiences she always supported me in all my endeavors. It is my experiences with my siblings and my family that make this verse so difficult to grasp.
The challenge that Jesus puts forth used to really trouble me. How could I ever hate my brother and sisters or my parents? It seemed to me to be the very opposite of the selfless love that is central to the Gospel. As I have gotten older my understanding of the verse has change. It’s not about hating my family but about loving Christ. My love for Christ should be so great that my love for my family pales in comparison. While this understanding does make the verse easier to accept it doesn’t change the challenge of living out this verse.
Each day is a challenge and an opportunity for us to grow in our relationship and love for Christ. Throughout my life I have found that just as my love for my family has grown so has my love for Christ. I have also come to realize that Christ helps me see past the flaws of my family and to love them better just as Christ loves us despite our many flaws. As I try to love Christ more I also find myself loving my family and friends all the more. Love is contagious and I think it will always be difficult to isolate it.
This verse will always shock me when I read it but it will also always challenge me to love Christ and my family as Christ has love me. I would like to challenge you all to reflect on your relationship with Christ and on your family or close friends and I hope that as we go forward tonight that we will help each other grow in love.
