“Son, when I started my dental practice, there were already three other dentists in this town. People told me I was crazy to open an office but my mother reassured me. She told me to treat my patients like my own family. ‘Take care of your patients and they will take care of you.’ I never forgot that and opened my office. It was difficult but eventually we started to get busy. My patients are my family. It will be the same for you. Whatever kind of doctor you end up being, treat your patients like your own family members. If you do that, you will be successful.”
I was in medical school when my father gave me that advice. Everyday his words still reverberate through my mind as I diagnose my cases, consult with other physicians, or speak to my patients. There is a much broader application of my father’s sage words. Whenever I encounter a successful business, there is always a familial aura. Social media reviews of popular restaurants will often gush with the phrase, “They treat me like family!” It is the sense of community with the same shared values and expectations that bring and bind people together.
All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.
Acts 4:32-35 (NLT)
The Bible gives us a beautiful example of what it means to treat others like family. In the nascent Church, there was no formal organization, no guidebooks, and no treasury. They were solely focused upon sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit united them in heart and mind and they pooled their financial resources to support and nurture their new family in Christ.
This was a special time in the history of the Church and there are important lessons for us today. Whether it is with our financial resources or the utilization of our skills and talents, all Christian believers should be willing to freely give to support those in need within the Body of Jesus Christ.
Treating others like family. My father echoed the same Truth that the Holy Spirit impressed upon the Christian Church. We are family because God has adopted us His sons and daughters through faith and belief in Jesus Christ.
Amen!
Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.
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