We are all Part of God’s Family
Ephesians 3:14-15 (NKJV)
“For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named” – Ephesians 3:14-15 (NKJV)
There have been times when I felt left out. Have you ever felt that way? Being left out socially can lead to sadness and sometimes even anger. It doesn’t feel good to be excluded from things, whether intentionally or not. I believe every one of us experiences social rejection or exclusion at some point in life. Then, there are deeper feelings of rejection and feeling left out – perhaps you have no spouse, no children, no family members, no close friends, no one to really talk with, and the list goes on, making you feel alone. Having to spend most of your time by yourself makes you yearn to be a part of some kind of family structure.
The good news is, as a Christian, you are part of a family: God’s Family. Each of us in the kingdom, irrespective of our circumstances, is in community and fellowship with God’s people and all part of God’s holy household (Ephesians 2:19). Romans 8:16 confirms we are God’s children. The church, therefore, is God’s family. I implore you to join. It goes beyond Sunday gatherings. Let someone know about your feelings of loneliness, and make yourself available to spend time with others so that you can enjoy your family. Family time is important.
Brethren, as part of God’s family on earth, the only household that stands on faith, we must go out of our way to include people that may be alone. We are taught by God’s Word in Galatians 6:2 to bear each other’s burdens, and therefore we must ensure that those who have no family, those confined to their homes, and those subjected to homes outside of their family setting are constantly and regularly reminded that they are not forgotten, but they are a part of God’s family.
God is the first step in meeting loneliness; He gives us good friends. Therefore, we must all make ourselves friendly. Go beyond a smile and greeting and consciously make a call to someone without a spouse, without children, without family close by; invite someone to your home, and share a meal.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am forever grateful for Your love, forgiveness, and comfort. Thank You for making us a part of Your family through our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Thank You, as You continue to help us as Your family to include others who feel left out; in Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Read: Ephesians 2:19; Hebrews 13:5
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 35:19-28; Luke 3:1-22; Numbers 9:15-23; Numbers 10; Numbers 11:1-3
