Monday Devotional: June 16, 2025

Bible Reading: Galatians 3:23-29 (NRSVUE)

²³ Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. ²⁴ Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be reckoned as righteous by faith. ²⁵ But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian, ²⁶ for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. ²⁷ As many of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. ²⁸ There is no longer Jew or Greek; there is no longer slave or free; there is no longer male and female, for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. ²⁹ And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise.

When I was growing up in the church, adults would say to me, “Never forget who you are and who you are. You are a child of God.” I felt so big and proud when I heard those words. Now, as a pastor, I’ve often found myself sharing those same words with parishioners who, for the most part, are old enough to be my parents and grandparents. It doesn’t matter how many times I say it; something always shifts in the room. Regardless of our age, the affirmation that we are all children of God touches us in a similar way.

This affirmation speaks to our dignity as human beings. Today’s passage from Galatians teaches us that we are worthy, seen, and valued. Our backgrounds don’t define us. Jesus Christ defines us. As children of God, we are loved beyond measure. It is Christ’s endless love that has afforded us grace and salvation. It is Christ’s endless love that makes way for new life, despite previous challenges and shortcomings — or even those challenges and shortcomings we will continue to face.

As children of God, we are clothed in Christ, which means we have been given what we need to change and cultivate righteous lives. We are called to live according to Christ’s example, loving God and loving others as we love ourselves. Let us rejoice and give thanks that we are valued by God and empowered to become the best versions of ourselves for God’s glory.

Prayer

Dear God, thank you for claiming each of us as your own. What a joy it is to know that we are your children, valued and worthy of your love. As we have been clothed in Christ, we seek to exude his true character. We offer our lives to be advocates for your glory, upholding the dignity of all people and serving as your light in dark places. Amen.

By Erin Beasley, The Upper Room Disciplines 2025, page 210.