Today’s Scripture
“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’”
—Romans 8:15 (NIV)
Additional Scripture
“Because you are His sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’”
—Galatians 4:6 (NIV)
Reflect on the Word
Jesus addresses God as “Abba” (Mark 14:36), a Hebrew word for “father.” This term does not mean a formal, distant relationship but rather a close, intimate relationship with a profound level of affection and trust.
This same intimate relationship is offered to us through the Holy Spirit, as explained in Romans 8:15. The Spirit in us makes us sons and daughters of God, granting us the privilege to call Him “Abba.” This adoption causes a total transformation of identity, allowing us to experience security as God’s beloved children.
Prayer + Contemplation
- Take time to address God as “Abba, Father” intimately. How does doing this transform your view of God’s love and of your identity as His child?
- Ask God to help you live confidently under His love and protection. Pray for a deeper experience of the Holy Spirit as you embrace your new identity as God’s beloved child.
- Pray for those in your life who are distant from God to experience His love and the security of being His children, finding peace and joy in His embrace.
