Romans 8:14-17 (NRSV)
Read Romans 8:14-17 on biblegateway.com
Verse 14For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. Verse 15For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, "Abba! Father!" Verse 16it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
Verse 17and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ-if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.
Devotion
I have a friend who is the biological father of three and the adoptive father of two. It is easy to tell which is which because they are of different racial backgrounds. But there is no way to discern any difference based on the way those children are loved by their father!
My friend helps me understand Paul’s words about “a spirit of adoption. When we cry, ‘Abba, Father!’ it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ – if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.”
Prayer
Thank you, Father, for adopting us as your children. Help us to live in a way that brings joy to you. Amen.