“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2 (NKJV)
Being a part of a family signifies protection, encouragement, and provision for your physical, mental, and psychological needs. It truly is a blessing beyond measure to have parents who provide for us and protect us. There were several memorable times when I saw my dad step forward and defend his children. It showed how much he cared. He said loudly and clearly, “I will not let you or anyone hurt or mistreat my family.” Can you imagine the confidence this gives? To be protected and supported? This is what Paul was saying in Romans 8:33-34 (NIV): “Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died – more than that, who was raised to life – is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”
The key expression is “God’s chosen.” We did not choose God and place ourselves in His family. No, God chose us and placed us in His family. He did it by purchasing us with the blood of His dear Son (Ephesians 1:4-6 NIV). He has bought us at a price. God wants us to be a part of His family and to spend time in His presence. He lovingly and tenaciously watches over us. We are secure and confident in Him. When you know whose you are and who your Heavenly Father is, you take bold steps of faith because you know Who is with you, Who supports you, and Who fights your battles.
Being a part of God’s family means we are His chosen through Christ Jesus. Through His blood, we are saved and not condemned (Romans 8:1). Paul refers to both our sinful condition and the sins that we have committed, both of which had not only separated us from God but assigned us to eternal condemnation. But now, through faith in Christ, our sins are forgiven by God’s love for us (Hebrews 4:16).
Forgiveness and love are important pillars in families. In Romans 12:18, God admonishes us to live in peace with each other, while in Colossians 3:13, provision is made for the challenges we may endure – that we bear with each other and forgive each other. Of course, God knows this may not be easy. Remember, however, Christ bore the punishment for our sins: past, present, and future. Therefore, we must be careful how we interact with each other – show love. The wrongs we have committed and what people have done to us were punished in the suffering of Christ. Let go and find joy in each other.
Therefore, as families in Christ, reflect the image of God. Be vessels of truth.
Read: Romans 12:5; Ephesians 4:3Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 19:3-12; I Corinthians 1:1-17; I Chronicles 16:37-43; I Chronicles 17; I Chronicles 18
