If we know Jesus, we’ve been adopted into the family of God and nothing can take that from us. I once heard a story about a young girl who was in the foster care system. She was constantly being bounced from house to house, because any time she did something wrong or got out of hand, she’d be sent back and placed with a different family. After enduring great instability for so long, she finally found her forever home, and her new parents made it clear that no matter what she did, she was not just a well-behaved guest — she was their daughter. They assured her that even if she behaved poorly, though she might be reprimanded, she would not be abandoned. To make it a “done deal,” they had her sign a contract that reminded her that she had a permanent place with them, and they did the same. Interestingly, after she signed it, she started testing their love in any and every way she could. She did all kinds of naughty things, and while they did have to discipline her, they never rejected her. In fact, after pushing them to the limit, her behavior improved, because she finally internalized the truth that she had a place of unconditional belonging. Knowing that she was accepted gave her new life, and it should do the same for us today!

My friend, God signed a contract for your life in the blood of Jesus, and that means there’s nothing you can do to not belong. No matter how intentionally you turn your back on Him, He will always welcome you home with open arms. The love He has for you is deeper and wider than the ocean, and He is willing to wait as long as it takes for you to return to His heart. He is gentle, humble, and full of fatherly compassion, and He wants to spend the rest of your life showing you just how much He adores you.