Listen to this devotion
I belong to you. You belong to me.
In the Word
Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others (Romans 12:4–5).
Of the Word
Evie gazed lovingly on her newborn baby girl. Four daughters in one family! And each one was a little individual with a temperament and a mind of her own. Evie wondered about the special place her new baby would fill in their growing family. One thing was for sure. She would be cherished, embraced, nurtured, encouraged, and loved. She would always belong.
In God’s family it’s much the same. As brothers and sisters in Christ we belong to each other. We live in harmony, are sympathetic, loving, compassionate, and humble. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn (Romans 12:15). But just as earthly families sometimes forget they belong to each other, so also members of God’s family sometimes forget. Fear or busyness or indifference may make us hesitate to get involved with the joys and sorrows of fellow Christians. Then the Spirit gently reminds us who we are and Whose we are!
Walking with my Lord
Heavenly Father, You have blessed me with a family of faith. You have given me brothers and sisters, my fellow redeemed, to care for and love. Forgive me when I forget each one is Your precious child. Help me listen, empathize, and reach out to others who need me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: Walking with My Lord. Author: Donna Streufert. 8/30 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.
