Included

“You’re not part of the team. You can’t come with us. You’re not invited. Has anyone said something like this to you? It hurts when others make it clear you are not welcome. We all want a place to belong. Whether in a family, church community, with friends, or on a team, having a place to belong gives us a sense of value. It’s a reminder that someone cares for us. And the truth is, God created us to live in community and have the purposeful work of caring for His creation together. But when humans went their own way against God, this good design was broken. Now we experience exclusion, which breeds feelings of isolation and low self-worth. But even amidst all this brokenness, God didn’t abandon us. Jesus came to be with us, and He made a way for us to be in close relationship with God and each other again. Through dying and raising back to life, Jesus has done what it takes to reverse the damage caused by our sin. One day, He will right every wrong. In the meantime, even though we may be rejected by friends, organizations, or family members in this dysfunctional world we inhabit, Jesus will never reject those who come to Him (John 6:37). He wants to include us in the family of God, and He doesn’t discriminate based on our background, appearance, gender, class, age, or anything else. Jesus knows our hearts, and He wants to satisfy our deepest desires. Even if everyone else disowns us, Jesus promises us the security of relationship with Him. When Jesus knew that His death was near, He told His disciples, I will not abandon you as orphansI will come to you (John 14:18). And Jesus kept His promise. After He rose from the dead, He returned to His followers. Then He ascended to heaven so that He could send them His Holy Spirit. And Jesus offers us this amazing relationship with Him today. When we put our trust in Jesus, we become part of God’s family, and no one can snatch us away from Him (John 10:28-29). Cindy Lee Can you think of a time you were left out, excluded from something? Jesus knows what it feels like to be rejected (Isaiah 53:2-6), and He grieves our hurts with us. If you realize you’ve purposely excluded someone else, Jesus invites you to turn away from wrongdoing and instead rely on His forgiveness, wisdom, and strength to treat others with kindness and dignity. Consider taking a moment to pray for the person/people you’ve wronged. Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close. Psalm 27:10 (NLT)

Read Verses:

Ephesians 1:13-Ephesians 1:14; Ephesians 2:11-Ephesians 2:22; Psalm 27:10