The Bible tells us many things about God’s family. The church is referred to as the household of God, and we are all members of one another (Ephesians 2:19-22). The New Testament instructs us on how to live in the house of God as members of Jesus’ church while representing Him on earth to a watching world (1 Tim. 3:15). However, the New Testament does more than simply describe us as members of Jesus’ family. It regularly reminds us of the kind of people we are to be since we are in God’s family. Here are a few things that are true of God’s family:
1. Forgiven (Ephesians 1:7) – Those in God’s family experience forgiveness for all their wrongdoings based on the blood of Jesus (Matt. 26:28). God chooses to willfully forgive and forget our sins and give us a clean slate (Heb. 8:12). It’s a blessing to know that our sins are forgiven, and we are in good standing with God (Col. 1:14). Forgiveness is a blessing that God wants to offer to everyone in the world, but it is received and enjoyed by those who become Christians and are a part of His family.
2. Friendly (Galatians 5:22-23) – Christians are friendly people. As those influenced and dominated by the Spirit of God, we are to be loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, dependable, gentle, and poised. As we engage with people in the world, they should identify us as people who are friendly, welcoming, and inviting. God’s family is friendly, but more than friendly, we desire to be friends with God and invite others to do the same (John 15:13-14).
3. Faithful (1 Cor. 15:58) – When one considers all that God has done to save us from our sins and then contemplates His goodness, the only proper response is faithfulness. Faithfulness means being dependable or having a reliable track record. Be someone who keeps their word and does what they say they will do. God’s family can be counted on to live lives that are in harmony with Jesus’ instructions and are continually trying to build their lives on the foundation of His word (Matt. 7:24-27).
4. Forgiving (Eph. 4:32) – As those who have been forgiven by God, God’s family regularly practices forgiveness with others who may need the same from us (Matt. 18:21-35). God’s people wouldn’t hold a grudge, mistreat others, or refuse to let wrongs from the past ruin the future because God has forgiven us so much (Col. 3:13-14). The forgiveness of God spills out into our lives in that it impacts how we engage with other people. As those who’ve been forgiven, we are transformed into forgivers.
5. Forever (1 Thess. 4:17-18) – God’s family is forever. God’s family will be with Him and each other forever (Rev. 7:9-17). The good news of God’s family is that the relationships we enjoy in Christ will never end. As we experience fellowship, spiritual growth, and intimacy in this life, we can be assured that it is only a preview of what is to come forevermore.
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