What comes to mind when you hear the word family? A loving home or a place of pain? Close-knit relationships or distant connections? Many of us are blessed with tender family memories. But some come from fractured families, leaving wounds related to resentment, betrayal, or divorce.

Even young children are familiar with the heartache of broken family relationships. Ideals of a “perfect family” can quickly dissolve. Children might feel helpless because the adults in their life may be making harmful choices. But when a child knows of—and rests freely in—the unconditional love of their heavenly Father, the storms of life cannot overtake them.

The church is more than a group of people who believe in Jesus. It is also a family. We’re brothers and sisters who may not be joined by physical birth, but who are privileged by spiritual birth to call God our heavenly Father. The apostle John described it this way:

“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name
he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12 NIV).

Father

Knowing they are part of God’s eternal family helps children live with confidence, regardless of the difficulties that may occur in this life.

That’s the good news. Even better news is this knowledge is not just for young ones. You and I have been invited to call the God of Creation our Father. The apostle Paul noted, “Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father” (Galatians 4:6 NIV). What a privilege—to call the God of creation our intimate Father!

Relish the joy of this relationship. God is the perfect Father, regardless of our success or failure in earthly relationships. Then pass that joy to the children in your life!