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
The eighth chapter of Romans is one of the most comforting in the Bible. The imagery and truths expressed are incredibly rich. In today's reading we are reminded of the intimate relationship that is ours through baptism—as we are adopted and named God's beloved children. We are united with Christ and with each other into the one body of Christ. We are anointed with the gift of the Holy Spirit and called to serve God's mission.
Living out God's mission can be extremely hard some days. We are forewarned of this, but it doesn’t make it easier in the heat of the moment. What does make it easier is knowing we are on this mission with God—not a far-away God, but our God who is as close as our breath. We need not get stuck in fear or despair. Instead, we can cry out, "Abba! Father!" even silently in our hearts and know that the Holy Spirit will be there to intercede.
Prayer
Holy One, we give thanks that we need not fear, no matter how hard things get. You will be with us to lead, comfort, and carry us. Help us remember to cry out to you and to know that we are loved and valued more than we will ever know. Amen.