Galatians 4:4-7 (NRSV)
Read Galatians 4:4-7 on biblegateway.com
Verse 4But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, Verse 5in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. Verse 6And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" Verse 7So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.
Devotion
Our status has been completely changed by our adoption as the children of God. But do we remember that each day? Do we live out of this hard-won freedom? Often we behave more like spoiled and undisciplined children than like grateful sons and daughters. Our inheritance is great; let us embrace it. Free at last, set free at last-may God's good gift to us not be in vain.
Prayer
We repent of our enslavement, Lord God, to many things. How foolish we are to despise our inheritance and to behave like slaves when you have shown us a new and vital way to live. Forgive us, renew us and lead us; help us to love you more. Amen.