What Is the Church?Shembull

Family of God

We’ve talked about the Bride, the Building, and the Body of Christ, but probably the most tangible aspect of the Church is the Family of God. Through Christ, we are adopted into his family: “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are” (1 John 3:1a). 

We are children of God. If you’ve heard that phrase before, it may just roll off your tongue. You may just be nodding along or maybe you skimmed that first sentence and need to go back to see what it says. Either way, whether you’ve heard it or not, I encourage you to pause and really consider what it means. We are adopted into God’s family, not because of anything we have done, but because of the great love that the Father has given us. We are able to know God—the maker of the universe and all that is in it. The One who existed before time began has chosen us to be a part of his family. What?!  

This family is enduring. Whether or not you have a great family, the family of God is one that outlasts our earthly families. While we have been given our earthly families, and we are called to honor them and love them, even Jesus told his own family that whoever does the will of God is his brother and sister and mother (Mark 3:35). The family of God is bigger than our own families and transcends identity by race, gender, and culture. In God’s family we are all his children, and that is where our value lies. When we share the good news of God’s love to others, we extend the invitation to join the family. 

What is your relationship like with your earthly family?  

Who are people in your life who are a part of the family of God?  

How can you show others their value as God’s children this week? 

How can viewing those around you as part of God’s family help you love them better?