Friday, February 5, 2021

Belonging

 In the classic children’s book, Pollyanna was paralyzed in an accident. Yet Pollyanna said she was glad she was hurt because since the accident, her aunt had called her “dear” lots of times and she hadn’t before. This made Pollyanna, an orphan, feel that she "belonged" to her aunt. 

 

Our hearts yearn to know we are loved and that we belong. Even if we don’t get that from our natural families, we have that as part of God’s family if we are believers.  God loves the world (John 3:16), but only those who are born again through faith in Jesus Christ are adopted into His family and called God’s children.

 

“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!”

1 John 3:1 (NKJV)

“The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.”

Romans 8:16 (NKJV)

 

Because God loves His children, He chastens us when needed.  By His discipline and correction, we know that we are His. This chastening actually affirms our sense of belonging in God's family.

 

“For whom the LORD loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives." If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.”

Hebrews 12:6-8 (NKJV)

 

God’s also chastening helps us learn obedience. It is designed to purify us and mold us in the image of Christ. The process can be painful, but if we yield to His correction and discipline, we will blessed and God will be glorified.

 

“Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

Hebrews 12:11 (KNJV)

 

When His hand is heavy upon us, we may be tempted to resist.  But submission is the path that brings peace of heart.  

 

"Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty."

Job 5:17 (NKJV)

 

We should be glad for God's chastening because it confirms that we belong to Him, we are His children. And that belonging satisfies our deepest longings.

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