Part of the Family of God

Many years ago we used to sing a song in church that went like this:
"I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God, I've washed in the fountain cleansed by His blood..."  Do you remember singing that?  This should be not only a song, but our life.  However, how many fellow brothers and sisters do you know that are hurting because someone in the church turned on them? Or talked behind their back?  Or flat out lied? This shouldn't be! Take a look at God's word.
     Ephesians 4: 31-32 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
     Col 3:8-10 But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator...
    COL 3:12-14 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
     Let us not forget what our Lord and Savior did for us and follow His example by setting aside foolish arguments and forgiving one another. If at all possible make peace with your fellow brethren. Then the world will see our love and want to be a part of the family of God too!