This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what’s coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we’re certainly going to go through the good times with him! (Romans 8:14-17, The Message)

We all have different experiences growing up, but one thing we all have in common is that our families weren’t perfect. When I married and had my own family, I envisioned that I would have a perfect Christian family. My marriage would always be happy and my kids would be obedient. Even though my husband and I had the best intentions, we were still sinners and my kids were still sinners. That’s what created the “messy” part. On the other hand, as I sit sick in bed, writing this devotional, I’m reminded of the beautiful part. My teenage sons got me food and helped take care of me. My husband canceled all of my classes for me. They take care of me because they love me. That’s beautiful.

If you are a Christian, you are also part of God’s family. This family is even better because God doesn’t sin. That means that we have a perfect, loving father who welcomes us into his family. Romans chapter 8 tells how this family is different from our earthly family.

In God’s family…

• There is no condemnation (v1).
• We are free from the law of sin and death (v2).
• Jesus loves us so much that he died for us (v3).
• We can have peace (v6).
• Jesus will give life to our mortal bodies (v11)
• We are sons of God (v14) We can call God- Abba, Father (v15)
• We don’t have to fear (v15).
• We are heirs with Christ (v17)

The only messy part of this family is us. God wants us to be like Him. This Christian life may take some unlearning as well as learning. However, we have a good Father who is patient and willing to teach us and help us learn how to live in this new family. As we change, we also find that our earthly families become a little bit more beautiful and a little bit less messy.

Lord, please transform me so that I can be a person who showers your love, grace, and forgiveness upon my own earthly family.