Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

Hebrews 13:1-2

I remember a friend who got a bit terse about a speech the CEO of his large manufacturing firm made and was emailed to all employees. The email spouted that they were a family and to be treating one another as if they are family.

I’ve heard that a business can’t be a family, because families are held together by love, and businesses are held together by compensation (Manager Tools). I believe that to be true. I don’t go to work because they love me and I would work for free. I go to work because I get paid and I try my best to be loving in all situations. In other words, you can’t choose your family, but you can choose where to work. Therefore, the two (family and employment) can’t be the same. Well, unless you are in a family business, I suppose. 

The church, however, is a different story. Once adopted as a child of God (see 1 John 3:1), those who worship with us become brothers and sisters. A former boss at a Christian nonprofit who would call everyone “brother” and “sister.” I’m forever “Sister Mollie” to this person. It took some getting used to, but I liked the reference to this verse and the reminder that the church is, indeed, a family.

When you are at a nonprofit, are you loving others as if they are a brother and sister in Christ? While they may not be your literal family, you can treat them as such.

Order Hopelessly Hopeful During Separation, a 28-day devotional for people who are separated from their spouse because of marital struggles. And, if you are avoiding the book title on your statement, order a signed copy through PayPal here.

Photo by Craig Adderley from Pexels

© 2021, Mollie Bond. All rights reserved. Originally published at www.molliebond.org.