We recently received a computer CD from a distant relative who had traced the Sanders’ family history and genealogy. We printed it out and I was amazed and somewhat chagrined that it took almost a whole ream of paper. I had no idea that I was related to so many people. Reading our family history reminded me of a cartoon I saw years ago. The “Born Loser” hired a gentleman to research his family tree. The researcher reported back, “I have some good news and some bad news. We shook your family tree, but several squirrels fell out.”

I saw an old picture of my great-great grandmother Lawrence standing in front of their log cabin looking stern and holding a Kentucky long-rifle. It was said that she once killed a bear, but they weren’t sure if it was her gun or her looks that did the kill’n. I imagine that we all have in-laws and out-laws in our family trees. We probably all have sheep and a few black sheep.

Why are so many people now becoming interested in their family history? Multitudes of American families have been fractured and forsaken. People are searching for roots, relationships, and a sense of family and fulfillment. Many have come to realize a need for community and connectedness. All people want to know where they came from, why they are here, and where they are going.

The Word of God reveals that blood is thicker than water. How can we truly experience the deep inner need and desire for family ties and connectedness?

First – FORGIVENESS restores relationships that have been fractured and forsaken. All human beings descended form Adam and Eve. When Adam and Eve sinned, sin and rebellion entered the human race. “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Because of sin and rebellion we all need repentance, redemption, and spiritual rebirth.

Jesus told a parable of the prodigal son who became the black sheep of his family. He lived in rebellion, “riotous” living, and sin. Finally he came to himself, went back home, and confessed, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; and am no longer worthy to be called your son.” (Luke 15:11-32) His father had compassion on him, embraced him, forgave him, and restored him as a son. That is a picture of our heavenly Father who longs to forgive and receive us back into the Family of God. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9).

For families to be renewed and restored there must be forgiveness. The elder brother, in this parable, did not want to forgive his prodigal brother. Many are like the “elder brother”. Jesus said, “For if you forgive men their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions” (Matthew 6:14-15).

Second – FAITH in the sacrificial blood of Jesus shed on the cross for the sins of the world brings you into the Family of God. God’s plan was to create one new family where, indeed, blood is thicker than water.

You were chosen “according to the foreknowledge of God the Father . . . that you may obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood . . . according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope . . . to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable . . . through faith in a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (I Peter 1:1-5). “Knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers. But with precious blood, as a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ” (I Peter 1:18-19). Put faith in Jesus Christ and be born into the great Family of God that will last forever. (I Peter 1:2-25)

Third – A FAMILY FITTED TOGETHER in Christ brings us into the reality where blood is thicker than water. We are FITTED together. (I Peter 2:5; Ephesians 2:21-22) We FELLOWSHIP together. (I Peter 2:9-10; Ephesians 2:22; Acts 2:42) We are FAVORED together. (Ephesians 3:6-7; 4:7) We FIGHT the enemy together. (Ephesians 3:10; 6) Families FEED together. (Ephesians 4:11-16; 5:18-21; Revelation 19:7-9) We are FRUITFUL together. (Ephesians 3:17-20; 5:18) We will FINISH together. We have a glorious FUTURE together. (Ephesians 3:12-21; Revelation 6:9; 21)

Blood is truly thicker than water. Perhaps a family relationship has been strained or fractured. Forgive that individual today and receive the joy, peace, and love that God intended for families to live in. You can be a member of God’s eternal family today. By faith receive Christ as your Redeemer and Lord. “But as many as received Him to them gave he power to become the son’s of God even as many as believe on His name” (John 1:12).