Galatians 3:25-29

To Whom Do I Belong?

A Question Of Love

Questions of belonging and identity go hand-in-hand. When we asked the question “Who am I?” back in May, the answer was that “you are an adopted child of God.” This week, as we ask the question “To whom do I belong?”, the answer also comes back to belonging to the family of God. When we have been baptized and chosen to accept Jesus, then we have chosen to belong to God’s family.

We point to Galatians 3:28 frequently to show the equality found in the Kingdom of God. Saying we are all one in Christ Jesus certainly explains that all are equal in the eyes of God. However, Galatians 3:28 also communicates that our identity and belonging are no longer defined by gender, ethnicity, or socio-economic status. We belong to the family of God. The ways that society defines us, the ways that culture groups us are no longer valid. Our belonging is found first and only as sons and daughters of God. We are heirs to the Kingdom of God. Where do you belong? You belong here, in God’s family.

Colossians 3:15-17

To Whom Do I Belong?

A Question Of Love

May the peace of Christ and the word of Christ dwell in us. When this occurs, we will do everything in the name of Jesus. That means that everything we do, everybody we belong with, everything we love, will bring honor to Jesus. Can you say that about your life right now? Does the peace of Christ rule in your hearts? Does the word of Christ dwell in you? And are you thankful for that?

It’s that last question that caught me off guard as I read through Colossians 3:15-17. Are we thankful that we belong to Jesus and to the community of believers? I think sometimes we begrudgingly associate with Jesus and the church. Maybe we really want to belong to a different group of people. Maybe we’d rather belong to a group whose identity is defined by politics or sports or entertainers. Are you thankful to belong to Christ and his church? Are you happy to put Jesus first in your life? I, for one, am thankful that God rules in my heart and that the word of Christ is able to admonish and teach me how to follow Jesus. I am grateful for the psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs which teach me about God. I pray that you are thankful that you belong to Jesus as well.

Colossians 3:12-14

To Whom Do I Belong?

A Question Of Love

After a couple of weeks' hiatus, I (Pastor Josh) return to the pulpit on Sunday, and our daily readings return to the theme of seven questions every person asks. Last month, we asked questions concerning our identity and the stories we tell. Today, we introduce the question, “To whom do I belong?”

A feeling of belonging is essential to a flourishing life. If you feel alienated or that you don’t fit into any group, your life won’t have a sense of peace. You will always be on edge and struggle to know where your loyalty lies. You will feel depressed and as if no one loves you. A feeling of belonging is necessary for a good life.

Colossians 3:12-14 not only tells us the characteristics of a godly person. These verses also communicate how Christians are to hold these characteristics in unity with one another. We are to bear with one another, forgive one another, love one another, and be unified. The church is the answer to where we belong. Every Christian has been chosen by God. God has brought us together, and we, together, belong to Him. We, together, are set apart for God’s glory. 

If you do not know where you belong, you belong to Jesus and can find love in Him and in the church. If you are not a Christian yet, there is an opportunity to find acceptance, belonging, and love in the family of God. Come on, all are welcome in God’s family.