Choose the Right Mirror: I Belong!
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
Today's Scripture
"God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure." Ephesians 1:5 NLT
Thoughts for Today
When we received Jesus, we became a member of God's family! God is our Father. Jesus is not only our Savior, He is also our brother (Hebrews 2:11-12). We are a member of the family of believers. We belong!
A true sense of belonging comes from not only knowing that we belong to God but also from belonging to each other. Many of Paul's letters in the New Testament offer guidance for successful relationships within this worldwide family. For example, he said, "Clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you (Colossians 3:12-13 NLT).
Many scriptures reflect us as belonging and being accepted. Here are just a few:
- I am God's child. (John 1:12)
- I am Christ's friend. (John 15:15)
- I am united with the Lord, and I am one spirit with Him. (1 Corinthians 6:17)
- I have been bought with a price. I belong to God. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
- We belong to God's family. (Ephesians 2:19)
Consider this ...
Do you ever feel lonely? It is possible to feel lonely even when we are surrounded by people. But if you will look at the mirror of God's Word, you will see clearly that you belong to God--and to His family. God will always love you and will always be your perfect Father. Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you.
In the family of believers, as in any family, there will be conflicts and offenses. But we will always be family. We sometimes need to be reminded by looking in the mirror of God's Word that we will always belong to one another and need to forgive and love.
You belong to God. He has adopted you into His family. Jesus is your Savior, your friend--and your brother. You belong!
Prayer
Lord, thank you for reassuring me that I am not alone. I belong! I am your child. And I am in your family. Jesus is not only my Savior and my friend, but my brother. Help me to be faithful to you--and to all my family. In Jesus' name ...
©Living Free 2024. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day® devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN, www.LivingFree.org. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending an e-mail to info@LivingFree.org
PO Box 22127 ~ Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421 ~ 423-899-4770
©Living Free 2020. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day® devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN, www.LivingFree.org. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending an e-mail to info@LivingFree.org