Weekly Devotion for February 6, 2023

Weekly Devotion for February 6, 2023
By Bishop Hee-Soo Jung

 CHILDREN OF GOD

You are all God’s children through faith in Christ Jesus. All of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek; there is neither slave nor free; nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Now if you belong to Christ, then indeed you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:26-29. CEB).
 
When I am with my granddaughter, Sydney, I think about the significance of my relationship with her. I think about how much I love her unconditionally. I am blessed to be in a relationship with her - it is in our talks, simple walks, and shared meals that brings us mutual enjoyment.  It is true joy.
 
As I reflect on my relationship with Sydney, I think about an essential Christian principle, of relationship building with God, each other, and with all of God’s creation. As we know, our earthly relationships take place in an ever-changing world that requires deep mutual understanding, love, learning, and humble self-sacrifice that transcends prejudice.
 
We love and respect each other because we are all God’s children. Paul describes this unity in God as the familial intimacy of children. It is through the baptism that we become siblings who share one blood.
 
Dear siblings, how much these words and confessions can unite us and become the premise of our identity.  We can become one, so these words and confession become covenants and promises. “…for all of you were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” (verse 27).
 
I hope that we will embrace again, with gratitude, the premise that the source of our identity is Jesus Christ and take responsibility for our mission together.
 
May we continue as partners and friends in ministry with care and love, advancing the kingdom of God through our kinship in Christ Jesus. Amen.