Belonging

During times of uncertainty and isolation, our sense of community and belonging is often lost or challenged. Our sense of belonging comes from knowing to whom we belong.

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation. – Ephesians 1:13,14

We are all bought near by the blood of Christ Jesus. His sacrifice on the cross serves to unite us and bring peace, even among those with vastly different opinions to ours.

Whatever we look like and whatever our background was before coming to Christ, our future together is possible because of the cross.

Different opinions can lead to strong divisions in all walks of life. Those divisions can also prevent us feeling like we belong.

Paul pleads to the church at Corinth to remember they are one body and all have one head, Christ Jesus. He is the only one they should be following.

Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 11 For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you. 12 Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptised in the name of Paul? – 1 Corinthians 1:10–13

It’s hard to remain divided when we remember we are of one body. Generally speaking, when we have a separation or division in our natural body, such as a broken bone or dislocation, the whole body reacts to the pain.

We are one body and one family built on the work of the cross. Christ, our head, displayed the ultimate act of love on the cross. He died so that we might belong to His body. Now we who have been drawn close, should live our cross marked lives by showing love to each other.

Jesus said:

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” – John 13:34,35

We do not belong to anyone else if we are marked by the cross. We should live to display His sacrificial love. Our real sense of belonging comes from knowing that we belong to Christ Jesus, who is love, now and for all eternity.

In the words of an old song:

Now I belong to Jesus,

Jesus belongs to me,

Not for the years of time alone,

But for eternity.