A reunion, of family, of friends, of loved ones long apart, is a gift and often an emotional one. There is joy, and sometimes old wounds and complicated history too. These verses are for a reunion, to fill it with gratitude, grace, and the love that binds people together in God.
What God says over a reunion
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”
Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.
“And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.”
If we love one another, God dwells in us and His love is perfected.
“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.”
Forbear and forgive one another; above all, put on love.
“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.”
What thanks can we give for the joy we have because of you?
Where this all leads
The father in Jesus' story ran to his returning son and threw a feast, a picture of how God welcomes us home. Every joyful reunion is a small taste of that. Let grace cover old wounds, let gratitude fill the room, and remember that the greatest reunion of all is coming, when God's family is gathered home in Christ, never to part again.
Lord, thank You for this reunion and the people gathered here. Fill our time with joy and grace. Heal old wounds and soften hard places. Bind us together in Your love. Thank You for the greater reunion to come, when Your family is home forever. In Jesus name, amen.
You were never meant to walk this alone
The family here will pray with you, and you can hear how Christ has met others in the same place.
Psalm 133:1 ('how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity') and Luke 15:20 (the father's joyful welcome) are wonderful for a reunion.
What does the Bible say about family unity?
It celebrates unity as good and pleasant (Psalm 133:1), calls families to forgive and love one another (Colossians 3:13-14), and pictures God's own joyful welcome of His children home (Luke 15:20).