We all want to belong somewhere. To a family, a group, a team, or a community. Belonging gives us identity and security. God has placed this longing within us.

But sin has separated us from God. Jesus Christ, the promised Savior, came into this world to overcome that separation and reconcile us to God. Anyone who believes in Jesus and trusts him can become part of God’s family and become his child (John 1:12).

This trust gives us a deep sense of assurance. Not because we are better than others, but because God himself is at work in us through his Holy Spirit. This is more than just a good feeling. God gives us the assurance: I belong to him. I am his child.

In Christ, we receive a completely new identity. As God’s children, we can let the Holy Spirit guide us and know: God accepts us. We belong to his family – forever.

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has become a child of God.

1 John 5:1

Bible passage on this topic: Romans 8:1–17