“Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” – Ephesians 2:19 (NKJV)
Consider the comforting feeling of walking into a house where you truly belong. The warmth, the shared bond, and the sense of identity are unmistakable. That is the essence of family. And that’s precisely how God describes your place in His kingdom—you are not an outsider, but a cherished member of His household.
The Church is God’s family. In this family, God is the Father and believers are His children. And like every other family, the Church family has its own culture. This culture is defined by love, compassion, forgiveness, and service. It’s a culture that encourages unity, understanding, and support among its members.
Becoming part of God’s family is not difficult. God, through Jesus, has already done the heavy lifting. Your role is to receive what He has provided. John 3:16 explains that your access to receiving God’s life is believing the sacrifice of Jesus as the payment for your sin. And when you believe this, you become a child of God, according to Galatians 3:26. John 1:12 also affirms this: “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.
“However, being part of a family also comes with responsibilities. In God’s family, you are not a passive member. You are called to love one another, to serve one another, and to build each other up. Just as the human body has many parts with different functions, so does the body of Christ, also known as the family of God. Each member contributes to the whole, using their unique gifts and talents to strengthen the body. (1 Corinthians 12:12-14)
And what is the culture of this family of God? It’s love. Jesus said in John 13:35 that His followers would be known by their love for one another. Ephesians 4:16 adds that it is through love that each believer serves and builds up others. That means you are not just in this family to receive—you are also here to supply strength, encouragement, and love to your brothers and sisters, fostering a deep sense of connection and care.
Dear believer, the Church of God is your family. You have been called to be a vital part of it, serving and building others through love. And it’s never too late to take your place! Your active participation is crucial for the growth and well-being of our spiritual family.
Bible Reading Plan: Isaiah 34–36; Philippians 1:1–20