What is it that transforms a group of people into a family rather than into a simple conglomeration of people? One word, according to the scripture, is sharing. The Bible clearly states that we should cry and laugh, rejoice and mourn as one. This does not mean that we simply be aware and "feel sorry" or give lip service to the events in the lives of others, but we actually share in them and experience the same feelings as a way of commiserating or rejoicing with our family.
One of our greatest failings as a family of God and also, I might add as a biological family, is that we often fail to share with our brothers and sisters the things that are making us happy, sad, mournful or joyous. If we do not know how our family is feeling and consequently do not respond in what is perceived to be an appropriate manner, how can we be held accountable.
Yes, it is incumbent upon me as a Christian to share life's ups and downs with with family, it is an impossible task if I know there are no ups and downs, good or bad days. Now I'm not saying that I or you should know everything that happens in either of our respective lives, but if there is a need for edification, exhortation or support from my family - I must be willing to let my family know what is going on!
I would have great difficulty performing my duty as a brother if I am totally in the dark about what is going on in my brothers' life. How many times over the years have I been criticized because I did not respond to a problem a brother was embroiled in though I innocently was totally unaware of any problem?
I indeed have a responsibility to help my brother carry his load, however, my brother has an equally important responsibility to make me aware of any problem from which they expect support from their family. We're a great group of people. We love the Lord, we love one another, but we can't read minds. Christian fellowship, which is a product of effective discipleship, is essentially impossible if we do not share feelings, fears, joys, concerns and victories with each other!
