Encouragement for Your Week: August 23-29

This Week’s Verse

"Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God."

— John 1:12-13 (NIV)

Devotion

What does it truly mean to be a child of God? In short, it means holding a place in God's family, fully entitled to the profound privileges that come with His lineage. While Scripture consistently affirms that every human being is a unique creation of God, it distinguishes between being created by God and being His child. Physical birth alone does not grant us entry into this divine relationship. Instead, as Jesus later explains in the Gospel of John, we must undergo a second, spiritual birth—we must be "born of God."

This spiritual rebirth represents a total transformation of our inner motivations and life direction. The Bible frankly states that without this spiritual intervention, humanity defaults to a state of separation from God, acting more like "children of the devil." The turning point occurs when the Holy Spirit enters a person's life, reshaping their desires and worldview. Rather than mimicking the destructive patterns of the world, we begin to consciously imitate God, much like a child learning from a loving father.

How do we secure this identity? This week’s verse provides a clear answer: we must receive Jesus and believe in His name. God’s ultimate plan to bridge the gap between humanity and Himself required the entire earthly journey of Jesus Christ—His sinless life, sacrificial death, resurrection, and ascension. When we intentionally accept Jesus and place our trust in who He is and what He accomplished, we are legally and spiritually granted the right to become God's children.

The benefits of this adoption are limitless. Most notably, we receive the promise of an abundant, eternal life within God's household. Furthermore, we gain permanent access to the Creator of the universe, with the freedom to approach Him not as a distant ruler, but as a protective and deeply loving Father.

If you have received Jesus, your identity is secure. You are deeply valued, chosen, and fully adopted into the family of God.

Have you personally received Jesus Christ and trusted Him as your Lord and Savior? If you realize that you have never made that decision to be born into God’s family, but you want to receive Him today, you can express that desire to Him through this simple prayer:

"Lord Jesus, I admit that I have lived apart from You and need Your forgiveness. I believe that You died on the cross for my sins and rose again to give me life. Right now, I turn from my old way of living and invite You into my heart. Thank You for forgiving me, adopting me into Your family, and making me a child of God. Guide my life from this day forward. Amen."