Illuminate: A 21-Day JourneySample

Day 14: We Are God's Children

Everything is different now. Before we were saved, the opinions of the world mattered, and our personal limitations mattered. Now that we found Christ, though, the only thing that matters is who we are to him. Take a second and read Romans 8:1–17 before reading the reflection. As you read this passage, pay close attention to how God considers what our lives should look like.

Reflection

“There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Do you believe that? Sometimes it feels like everything and everyone around us is trying to condemn us. It’s almost easier to walk around fearful of everything and everyone’s judgment. But as this passage reminds us, there is no more condemnation, and God did not give us a “spirit of fear.” Rather, we have God’s Spirit as we’ve been adopted as his children.

• Do you find yourself constantly worried about what others think of you?
• What is your self-esteem grounded in? God, or your friends?
• Since you have God’s Spirit living in you, how should that make you feel?