Whoever belongs to God hears what God says.

John 8:47 (NIV)

My girls belong to many groups and teams. They are part of a dance competitive team, tennis team, church choir, and student council. When you belong to a team or group, you are responsible for representing the group well. There is also a sense of accomplishment when you join the team. You have a place–you belong!

Paul persecuted Christians: his ultimate goal was to wipe them out. So, when he came to the disciples claiming to be a changed man, they were skeptical. In Acts, after Paul’s conversion to Christianity, “he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple” (9:26).

Really, who could blame them?

However, Paul had a good friend named Barnabas who stepped up on his behalf. “He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord, and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus” (Acts 9:27).

Welcoming Paul into the group would launch his mission and ministry. The church would spread like wildfire across Europe and Asia Minor. Paul would preach to the early churches by encouraging, disciplining, and reminding them of God’s truth, and highlighting the importance of unity as believers. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:9-10).

Barnabas helped with welcoming Paul into the group of apostles. It just takes one to help someone feel like they belong.

Dear God,

Thank You for my church.

To quote Bill Gaither’s song, “I am so glad that I am a part of the family of God.”

Charity O