It can be hard to write about the relationship that God seeks with us. That relationship is like a close relationship to a father, but not everyone has a close relationship with their father. Thus, they may not well understand or be able to really accept the intimacy God desires here.
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba,[a] Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. (Romans 8:14-17 NKJV)
When God talks in scripture about our relationship, he is doing so as a loving Father. He fills in all of the spots where our earthly father may have come up short. He has adopted us and calls us joint heirs with Christ. You need to read that again, “joint heirs with Christ!” He equates us to His one and only Son. He is not looking at us like some red headed step child, but as His own. That, my friends, is profound!
I have strived to be a good father. I think I am better at it now that my children are having children because I have a lifetime of perspective. I did not always do the right things, I was learning and parents make mistakes. But our loving Father does not make mistakes and we can rely upon Him fully.
Reflect on: Your relationship with your father and your Father. Maybe both provided you with loving and intimate relationships, maybe one did not. Reflect on this and just how loved you are by the Father.
