TOGETHER IN GOD’S FAMILY
God made us a part of His family by adoption, so we can call him our Father. We receive His Spirit, trusting in the provision made for us by the death and resurrection of Jesus. He set us apart as citizens of His kingdom and together we are joint heirs with Christ.
For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear. Instead, you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father!”
The Spirit himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children, and if children, also heirs—heirs of God and coheirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us.
HELPING EACH OTHER
As a part of God’s family, we have many brothers and sisters. We were not put on this earth to be alone.
Being together in community is important so we can encourage and help each other. Besides having people here in my house or church or neighborhood, I have close friends online, too.
Together, we use our words to build each other up. These online friends have helped me as I’ve written all these posts this month. I bounced ideas off them and they listened, prayed, and asked questions to get me to think deeper. Sometimes they also made suggestions. I could not have done it without them.
REACHING OUT
As we help and encourage each other, we are made stronger by working together. Since we have known the love and mercy of God it would not be good to keep it to ourselves.
Using what we have we can reach out to those God puts in our path and show love to them.
For example, we have opened our home in the past to several foreign exchange students. They mostly came for four weeks at a time, but once we had a girl who stayed a whole school year. It was a blessing to have them, to include them as part of our family and show them love.
WHEN DOUBTS COME
What about when doubts come and we feel like we’ve been forgotten?
Maybe we lose a job or become ill or just plain feel overwhelmed with life. I know I have family members who struggle at times with depression and wondering if God can really love them, or even if He is real. We need to remember who God says we are.
Whenever things are hard, I try to remember to go to God in prayer to ask for help. Then I think about all the times in the past He has provided. If I start to doubt that my writing or art is good enough, I remember there is a place for all.
We remember God loves us and gives us strength. Together we are better.
We can make a difference in this world as we encourage and build each other up. And we can give thanks for all the blessings God has given us.
To read the other posts in this series click on: 31 Days of Encouragement.
This is Day 29 of the Five Minute Friday 31 Days of Free Writes. The word prompt is together.
Love this! Love that Lauren Daigle song! And hygge…my word of the year!
Thanks, Tara. I love that song, too. Blessings to you! xo
Amen. Thankful for Titus 2 friends like you, who break bread across the oceans. May God continue to pour His love and compassion into and out of your heart into the lives around you. You are a blessing.
Dear Anna,
Thank you so much for your encouragement, your prayers and your friendship. I count you a blessing, too. Much love to you with hugs and blessings! xoxo
Truly together we are better. Thanks for all your encouragement in this writing challenge. It’s so much better to have friends along for the days you’re wondering why you signed up.
Oh, Karen, you are so right! I don’t think I could have made it this far without the friends who have encouraged me. Blessings and love to you! xo
This is so beautiful Gayl. Truly we are together in God, and He helps us to share together with those around us. I love the ways that you find to pass along the many blessings you have been gifted with Gayl. It shows in your artwork, just how much you invest in the lives of all those who are connected with you. And I am so glad that God has let our paths cross, to share in just a small portion of that comfort. Blessings, love, and hugs to you Dear Friend! xoxo
Thank you, dear Bettie. Your words encourage me so much. I, too, am glad God made our paths cross. You have been such a blessing and encouragement to me. Blessings, love and hugs to you, dear sister! xoxo