Devotion #1: Belonging to God

Many search their whole lives looking to belong to something. They try clubs, hobbies, and internet fan clubs all in search of that feeling of belonging. The search can be grueling and still many do not find the place where they truly belong. Paul opens the book of Romans assuring the believers in Rome that they belong. Have you ever felt you belonged somewhere? Where was it? 

Romans 1:6-7 says, “…including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 

Paul reminded the believers who belonged to the Roman church that they belonged not only to the church but also to Jesus Christ. More than this, they were called to belong, be loved by God, and be given grace and peace from Him. God’s recruiting team is more than effective, and His offer is priceless. The same truth that Paul reminds the believers in the Roman church is true of you and me as believers today. We belong to more than just our River Church locations but to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

In what ways do you feel called to belong to the body of Christ beyond your River Church location? 

Reflect on a time when you felt God’s love and grace in your life. How has it impacted your relationship with Him? 

This reality of belonging should bring us a sense of peace. Instead of having to find or search for where we belong, we have been sought out by Christ. He has made peace between us and God with the shedding of His blood on the cross and His resurrection. Through the Gospel, we have been given grace and peace. This is the foundation of our faith and should bring us great encouragement.  

What does it mean to you to be loved by God and to receive His grace and peace? 

Paul is establishing this truth as he affirms the believers in Rome and continues to flush it out throughout the rest of his letter. As we continue to study the book of Romans, remember the intense love that God has for you and the call that He issued to you to belong as one of His people.