Ordinary Time
There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear.
1 John 4:18a
The same Spirit agrees with our spirit, that we are God’s children. But if we are children, we are also heirs. We are God’s heirs and fellow heirs with Christ, if we really suffer with him so that we can also be glorified with him.
Romans 8:16-17
Children inherit certain traits from their parents. Whether you like it or not, you might be growing into your mom’s pointy nose in your teen years. That big bald spot on your dad’s head might be yours by the time you’re fifty! Some traits that we pick up from our biological parents are unavoidable.
But there are some traits that transcend our biology which are nurtured within us. As God’s child, what do you think is in your spiritual DNA?
Our scripture says that God’s Spirit is in sync with our spirit. So much so that we are God’s fellow heirs with Christ — spiritual siblings with Jesus!
There’s a flipside: we are also united in kinship with Christ through his suffering. Being a child of God doesn’t mean that we’re immune to difficulty. As a part of creation which is still being restored, we’ve inherited some things (spiritual, emotional, and physical) that can make it even more challenging. For today, just know that you are loved by your creator and are a sibling to our savior! That’s pretty special, even if you are a baldy with a pointy nose.
Daniel Ingram
God of all, our perfect parent, forgive me for taking the easy road. Following you means risking big for your good sake. You have created me to be enough. Guide to me to learn every day from my brother and savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Spread the news of Christ into your corners of the world.
Don’t worry about whether you have what it takes.
You are God’s beloved child, and you have been gifted with all you need to follow Jesus faithfully.
Fear less and love more.