Ephesians 2:19
“So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household.”
We belong. We were once ostracized, outside and lost. We were of the wrong kingdom. We walked according to the ways of the world.
I John 3:10 says, "By this the children of God are distinguished from the children of the devil: Anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is anyone who does not love his brother." We were serving the wrong kingdom even though we were unaware.
We sought the wrong things. Galatians 5:17 says, "For the desire of the flesh is against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, in order to keep you from doing whatever you want." Like an animal is driven by appetites, so were we.
"But God". He interrupted our course. He had worked to redeem us shortly after the fall. It was very costly and for it to make sense, much history would pass. The full verses are Ephesians 2:4, 5, "But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our wrong doings, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)".
"So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household." We now belong to Him and are of His household. He redeemed us. He plucked us out, cleaned us up and now we belong. He has given us a new heart that desires the things of God (Ezekiel 36:26). Thank You, God. We are no longer living in the flesh pursuing it's lusts (Galatians 5:24). You assist us in seeking after You and Your ways.
We are different. Jesus said in John 3:6, "That which has been born of the flesh is flesh, and that which has been born of the Spirit is spirit." We have been born of the Spirit, we are His offspring. This fills us with such gratitude. If it weren't true, it would be too good to be true. We've been rescued from slavery, given a new heart that no longer wants to pursue evil, we've got a God who guides us in righteousness, He protects and blesses us.
Thank You, Lord for this. Your mercies are never ending.