FAMILY OF GOD

Galatians 4:6-7

And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” ⁷ So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir through God.

When I was growing up, I always wanted a nickname. I have had a few in my life in different circles that I have been a part. To have a nickname usually comes because you have endeared yourselves to someone or others in some way. We get nicknames because people know us and it demonstrates a certain familiarity with someone. Often our given names are reserved for official documents and tax returns, but a nickname shows a closeness with someone. With a middle name of Grace, my family still calls me Gracie to this day.

When we talk to God, many of us find ourselves using familial words like father or mother. These parent names show the kind of relationship that we have with God. A parent and child relationship evokes feelings of protection, nurture, support and love. It shows a level of intimacy and closeness that other names such as king or leader can’t provide. When the text tells us that the Spirit sends the words “Abba! Father!” into our hearts, we learn how much our relationship with God is called to be tender and loving. No matter what family relationship we were born into, the one we have with God is calling us toward closeness. God calls us to be God’s children and to be part of the family of God.

Prayer

God the Parent, thank you for calling us into your family. You call us to be in relationship and want us to call on you in times of support, praise, and gratitude. Being part of your family provides us with the strength to continue forward and the confidence that we are always welcome and loved. In your Son’s name, Amen.