14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption to sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”

16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.

17 And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.

19 The creation waits in eager expectation for the revelation of the sons of God.

20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope

21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

28 And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

29 For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers.

— Romans 8:14-17; 19-21, 28-29

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and love from Christ to you.

Romans 8:15 says that the life in the Spirit releases us from the burden of the law of sin and death. Through the Spirit we are not slaves driven by fear or the need for approval. We are children of God, loved and accepted just as we are. Paul’s words, remind us that the Spirit and the present in our lives is proof that we are God‘s children in His family. We don’t have to wonder if we are good enough for God. We can rest in the knowledge that we are His children. This assurance isn’t just a comforting thought. It’s a foundation that gives us confidence in peace.

The Spirit doesn’t just help us to know about God. He helps us to experience God‘s love in a personal intimate way. The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God‘s children. Paul writes through the Sprit, we have a direct connection to the heart of God and this brings us the security of knowing we belong to Him. Life in the Spirit is also for our transformation. His power enables us to grow to change and to become more like Christ. Paul says for us foreknown by God, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.