Chosen

Chosen

Reading the Word

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others (Colossians 3:12–13).

Getting Personal

The great thing about being adopted is that the child is wanted. The parents had a place in their lives that only that child could fill. They chose her.

The Bible uses the same picture to illustrate our relationship with the Father. We are his adopted sons and daughters—chosen by God himself . . . and given new life.

In this passage, Paul affirms the relationship and describes this new life—what it means to live as God’s children. He says that we are to be compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, patient, forgiving, loving, peaceable, and thankful (see also verses 14 and 15).

When you feel insignificant or lonely, cut off from love and acceptance, remember your Father and that you belong to him. He sought you, found you, and brought you home. He chose you and loves you. Then live as befits a member of God’s family.

Talking to God

Father—what a beautiful word, “Father”—I am overwhelmed knowing that you chose and adopted me into your family. Empower me though your spirit to remember and live as your child. May others see the family resemblance.

Adapted from On Eagles Wings by Dave Veerman (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1995), used by permission.