PURPOSE #2: You Were Formed for God’s Family
Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. Ephesians 1:5 (KJV)
His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:5a (NLT)
How can I start treating other believers like members of my own family?
Being a naturally shy person, socializing with other Christians was often an awkward task for me, until I realized everyone needs to be reminded of God’s love. When we treat each other kindly and lovingly, it allows people to see God in us – in doing so, it reminds them of God’s love. It’s so important that we strengthen each other in love. Understanding this, I try to make sure I hug and speak to other Christians that I’ve gradually come to know. I’m not going to say I’m totally over my shyness, sometimes I have to pray through it, but I do so much better when I think about God’s love. It’s so good I can’t help but want to share it with others.
Sometimes, when we share God’s love, we never know how much we’ve uplifted another person – maybe they are feeling down or depressed and that one hug let’s them know – just like Miss Celie’s kindness let Sophia know – that there is a God!
Important Quotes:
“Because God is love, he treasures relationships.” (Warren, 117)
“Baptism is not an optional ritual, to be delayed or postponed. It signifies your inclusion in God’s family. It publically announces to the world, ‘I am not ashamed ot be a part of God’s family.’…Your baptism declares your faith, shares Christ’s burial and resurrection, sybolizes your death to your old life, and announces your new life in Christ…It is an initiation, not something you put off until you are spirtiually mature.” (Warren, 120-21)
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Kiesha holds a Master of Arts in English and is a graduate of the University of Toledo.
