Ephesians: A 10-Day Reading PlanShembull

Are You Longing For A Place To Belong?

Perhaps it was an athletic team, a special project at work, or the popular crowd at school — we’ve all experienced the feeling of wanting to belong; to know you've been chosen on purpose.

In Ephesians 1:4-5, Paul explains that God chose us before the creation of the world. Before we knew God, He planned to adopt us as His sons and daughters through Jesus Christ. He did all this not because we were good, but because He is good.

Jesus died so we could become part of God's family.  God chose us as His sons and daughters, and putting our faith in Jesus is how we take Him up on that offer. We can accept salvation and belong, or we can reject Jesus’ message and continue living outside of God’s love.

God's desire has always been for us to be a part of His family and to live with Him forever (John 6:35-40). In God’s family, our sins are forgiven and we receive the Holy Spirit to guide us, comfort us, and remind us what Jesus taught us. We experience hope and peace here on earth and look forward to an eternity in heaven.

When we make Jesus Lord of our lives, we become part of God’s family forever! 

Reflect:

• Has there ever been a time when you took God up on the offer to join His family? If so, take some time to thank Him for that today. If not, what’s holding you back?
• Being a part of a team or group comes with responsibilities. What are some of the responsibilities that come with being sons and daughters in God’s family?