But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. (Isaiah 43:1)
What would it mean to belong? To feel welcomed and accepted for who you are. To have a place in the group. To be who you are and unequivocally loved. To be relevant, your thoughts and ideas. To have a purpose just because. To be seen and heard, no judgement. To have peace. What would it be like?

Friends, our walk with Christ is like this. I read in the book of Romans, “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God” (15:7). There is a peace in knowing that Christ accepts me and you for who we are. Nothing more, nothing less. This peace is nourishing and strengthening to my soul and I pray to you too. And to belong is for the glory of God. All that we do is for God’s glory, not for me or my family or friends but for God. So, how are you living? Do others recognize God in you? Do you have this peace? Have you welcomed someone in the name of Christ this day?