We all have a need to belong, to be part of a family. We want a community of people around us that we can go to for support, encouragement, and love. We don’t get to choose the family we’re born into. We might feel like we can’t relate to them, or our family may not make us feel safe and loved. Often our friendships, churches, and colleagues can provide other ‘families’ for us. But sometimes we can feel like we don’t belong anywhere. When we’re feeling like that it’s important to remember that we belong to God’s family. The Bible says: ‘He chose us before the world was made so that we would be his holy people – people without blame before him. Because of his love, God had already decided to make us his own children through Jesus Christ. That was what he wanted and what pleased him’ (NCV). We never have to worry about our standing or  our relationship with God. Regardless of race, age, or background, when we repent and accept Christ as our Saviour, our adoption into His family becomes permanent. In Romans it says, ‘The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children’ (8:16 NIV). And in 1 John 3 it says, ‘See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!’ (v.1 NIV). Once we realise that we’re part of His family, we can find freedom from feeling isolated and fearful. And we don’t have to live feeling condemned and ashamed, because we’re children of God. We belong, and nothing can change that. Take a look at Romans 8:31-39 - we’re His children, we’re loved by Him, and nothing can separate us from that love.  

What Now?

Listen to the song ‘Good Good Father’ by Chris Tomlin. Thank God that you’re His child and that you belong to His family.