This past Thursday, my Kiwanis club meeting was graced by Shannon Ramsey from Families 4 Families. Shannon’s organization plays a pivotal role in training and supporting foster families, ensuring that children entering the foster care system are met with love and stability. Their work is truly commendable, as they are now responsible for placing nearly a quarter of all children in Georgia’s foster care system.
Shannon’s presentation made me reflect deeply on the concept of family, especially within the context of our faith. The early Christian leaders, including Paul, frequently referred to the church as the family of God. This familial language was used to describe the relationships between believers and with God Himself. As I prepared my sermon this week, I couldn’t help but ponder these thoughts, especially in light of Romans 8:14-17, where Paul writes:
For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Paul’s words remind us that the Holy Spirit affirms our identity as God’s children. We are not slaves living in fear, but beloved children who can approach our Heavenly Father with love and confidence. As God’s children, we can face the future without fear, knowing that our Father holds everything in His control.
The world often promotes a narrative of fear and isolation, suggesting that we are on our own and that God is not in control. However, this could not be further from the truth. Our God, the Creator of all things, who has saved, redeemed, and adopted us through His Son, and empowers us through the Holy Spirit, has everything in our lives and in the world under His control.
Being adopted into God’s family means that we can look forward with hope and positivity, assured that God is orchestrating all things for our good. We are surrounded by a community of brothers and sisters in Christ, and we can rest in the promise that God is holding us securely in His hands.
Friends, we have been adopted into a divine family. There is no need for fear, for the end of our story is already written by God’s loving hand. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom—freedom from fear, from the powers of evil, from our anxieties, and from the sin that entangles us.
May you find comfort and confidence in knowing that God holds you, and all of us, in the palm of His hand, working everything together for our good. Let us embrace our identity as God’s children and live in the freedom and hope that comes with being part of His family.
Jonathan
For Jesus. For People. For Community.