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Family of Believers

Ephesians 2:19 So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people.  You are members of God’s family.

In this chapter of Ephesians, Paul explains how those who are saved by grace through faith in Christ, have become part of a single family. Before the coming of Jesus, the Jewish people considered Gentiles to be unclean and inferior. Here Paul explains how the gospel extends hope, promise, and a relationship with God to Jews and Gentiles alike. Non-Jews are not just welcomed into God’s household in an “honorary” way. We are fully brought in as true family members who now enjoy the full benefits of all the promises of God’s covenant people.

With God now the Father of all believers, it makes all believers part of the same family; brothers and sisters in Christ (read John 1:12).

Look at how the Apostle Paul instructs the church:

Galatians 6:10 NLT Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.

He speaks about a family of faith. A common belief that creates a new identity and sense of belonging where all are motivated to use every opportunity to do good to others. A common goal was given to the members of the same family. 

This scripture emphasizes that we do not only belong to a new spiritual family but need one another to grow:

Ephesians 4:16 NLT He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

For every believer in Jesus, there is a special place where we fit into a family. Everyone has a role to play, and if we find that sweet spot, it will result in a loving family - healthy and growing. 

Becoming part of this family is not the destination, but the start of a journey of discovering the power of being part of the body of Christ, empowering you to influence others with His love.

As a Christian, you have the responsibility to ask God to show you how to effectively function as part of His Body, His Family. The moment this starts taking place it will activate the power and significance of being used by God to bring light and life into our world. 

Prayer:

Thank you, Lord, that I belong to Your family. As Father, please help me understand how to function as part of Your body in order to build others up in love.