Easter Time... Sisters and Brothers

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For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption, by which we cry, "Abba!" The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God...
~ Romans 8: 14-16

I have several friends who are adopted.  My brother-in-law is one of those people, as well as, my boss at work.  It's pretty amazing to meet their families and to listen to what these people have to say about growing up in households where the family somehow, "picked you."

For me, it gives me a better understanding of what the word "adopted" means, especially when it comes to the relationship I have with God.  

In the book of Genesis, we learn that we are very special among God's creation.  We are made in the image of the Creator, but also, we contain the breath of God within each one of us.  We are the only part of creation where God literally blew life into us!

While we all possess this special gift, we sometimes forget that this also makes us all related.  Over the last few years I have been trying harder to look at each person I meet as part of my family.  It's not always easy!  Some of my brothers and sisters can just be shocking at times, but when I realize that we are all related and adopted through the same breath of God, then, for me, it makes this effort to see everyone as family even more important.

This "family" is not meant to be difficult, instead, it should be one where we are happy to call God, "Abba!"  While there seems to be more reasons to separate us from one another in the world today, the spirit of God is stronger than any situation and actually brings us closer together.  I think it's because as the world continues to experience difficulties, we are understanding just how connected we truly are and that we need to find ways to work together.

How special it is to realize that we are all brothers and sisters, adopted by a God who cares so much for each of us!

Stay in God's grip!

​G. Todd Williams (c) 2017

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Dear Lord, help me to see the world with Your eyes today, and recognize each person as my brother and sister.  Amen.

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