How can we ensure we don't reject God's "heirs" in our lives? Seeing the Core Verse “...and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.” Romans 8:17 Who the Heirs Are • Every believer who has been born again through faith in Jesus (Galatians 4:7) • The Son Himself—the ultimate Heir of all things (Hebrews 1:2) • Brothers and sisters around us who bear Christ’s name, regardless of background, culture, or maturity level (Ephesians 3:6) Why Rejection Still Happens • Pride—thinking some people are less “worthy” (James 2:1-4) • Offense—allowing past hurts to cloud present relationships (Colossians 3:13) • Fear of the unfamiliar—avoiding those who don’t fit our preferences (Acts 10:28-35) • Envy—resenting the gifts or calling God gives someone else (1 Corinthians 12:14-26) Biblical Keys to Welcoming God’s Heirs • Remember identity: if God calls someone His child, we must treat them as family (1 John 4:20-21). • Guard the tongue: speak blessing, not dismissal (Ephesians 4:29). • Practice impartiality: value the poor, overlooked, and marginalized exactly as Christ does (Proverbs 14:31; Matthew 25:40). • Pursue reconciliation quickly: let no root of bitterness grow (Hebrews 12:14-15). • Encourage spiritual gifts: make room for each heir to serve (Romans 12:4-8). Daily Habits That Keep Our Hearts Open • Start each morning by thanking God for making you His heir—gratitude softens pride. • Deliberately greet those you’d normally pass by at church or work. • Listen twice as long as you speak when a fellow believer shares a burden. • Serve alongside someone with different strengths; celebrate God’s work in them. • Review the day: repent of any harsh thoughts or words toward a co-heir. Living the Picture of Romans 8:17 When we see every believer—young or old, polished or rough-edged—as a co-heir with Christ, we mirror the Father’s heart. Valuing one another today is rehearsal for the eternal inheritance we will enjoy together forever (Revelation 5:9-10). |
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