Coming from a small family, it has been hard for me to understand how large families, maintain a feeling of closeness and solidarity.
I agree that distance does limit us in maintaining our closeness, and our ability to work things out if there are problems.
In all families, large or small, I believe that the unity and solidarity of a family is built by the one on one relationships.
The Apostle Paul, encourages the members of the family of God at Thessalonica to make the most of their time, by comforting each other, edifying (or encouraging) each other, just as they were doing.
In essence Paul is saying: Keep on doing it, because it is making a difference.
This constant support involves one on one intervention.
This is something that is not seen in families today. And because it is not exercised, when the whole family gets together, there is an awkwardness. You feel like strangers instead of family members.
It is something I need to do a better job at. But it must be a reciprocal process. When we encourage each other on a one on one basis, it helps to strengthen the fellowship and unity of the family as a whole.
Our awesome God desires a one on one relationship with us, that in turn will benefit the whole family of God, that we are apart of. GP
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