God calls His people by many names. They are called flock, vine, temple, a body, a kingdom, a city, and the church. But here in our text is a most wonderful name that sinners could never have expected to hear—family. The church is the family of God. This shows how He must love and care for His people. It manifests the pure delight He has in saints. As such He dwells in the midst of them and His dealings with them are those of a loving and wise father sitting among His children, earnest for their well being. The family is the place where the Father’s heart is. There is a picture here that provides much comfort to every Christian. What a Heavenly Father! What an elder brother in Jesus Christ! What patience, kindness, guidance and loving discipline! What endless forbearance! What wonderful protection and provision!