There are many in this world looking for a place to belong. They search for a place to fit in. Many of them are ostracized by their peers. Some are rejected or abused by their families. They feel left out. They become depressed.
Some people find a place they feel welcomed. The people they join are open and understanding. Often, these people are more mature and perhaps have experienced being ostracized themselves. They have “been around the block a time or two.”
How are we to find such people? What are we to do when we do find them? Might I suggest we look at those who are followers of Jesus. When we find a group that is welcoming, we should accept being welcomed. Over time, we can let down our guard and stop taking every comment as a personal attack. We begin to realize they are simply accepting us into the family. You see, sometimes families must correct one of their own. But more often than not, they are simply teasing you rather than attacking.
God brings us together as a family. It doesn’t mean we are required to agree at all times. We can agree to disagree and remain a family. God accepts us as we are, but He won’t leave us as we are. He has a plan for each of us. His plan is to bring us to our own glory by following His plan. He has made us brothers and sisters with His Son.
As someone who accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior, we are made holy by God. We follow in Jesus’ footsteps into salvation. We are a member of THE royal family. God’s family is a welcoming, accepting, and open family. While on earth and being human, we are not perfect yet. But we continue to strive to obey God’s commands and improve ourselves.
If you are a person who is longing to belong to something good, look to God. Find a church family that is welcoming. Don’t simply attend but join them. Get involved in the works. Participate in the classes. Build relationships with others. Let down your guard, allowing others to care for you and care for others.
I pray we all discover we are welcomed into God’s family. I pray we become active members. I pray each one of us learn to let down our guard and be caring people. Join God’s family. Follow His plan for you. Be active in His family. Love your brothers and sisters. Accept the salvation He freely gives.
Hebrews 2:10-11 In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.
Marty Pressey 