Read: Romans 8:

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, Abba! Father! The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,  and if children, then heirs-heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Reflect:

In times like this, it may be easy to forget just how much God loves us. It is one thing to have your sins forgiven. It is quite another to be called a “son of God” and that is exactly what Paul proclaims to each of us in the passage above.

Remember the parable of the prodigal? Like the younger son who returns to his father with the intention of being a simply a hired hand but is restored to the position of a son by a compassionate father, we are adopted by the compassionate God.

The son was greeted with an embrace and a kiss, a ring, clean clothes and shoes and a festive celebration! There was great rejoicing over a son who was dead and is now alive!

The Gospel comes to life in our lives as we are adopted as sons and daughters of the living God thanks to the work of Christ on the cross.

What does it mean? We have an intimacy with God. You’ve probably heard it before, but the phrase “Abba! Father!” communicates the idea of a child addressing his or her father as “Daddy”.

Now we’re included as heirs. We can look forward to being glorified with Christ. This is our hope. This is why we patiently await His return.

Respond:

Think about your relationship with God today. Do you feel more like a hired hand or a child of God? How does this scripture adjust your view?