Listening with the Heart – Children of God

“In His goodness, God has already welcomed us as His children. Therefore, we should take care not to grieve Him by the way we live.” – Prologue

Benedict now gives us another reason to take the Christian life seriously. God has already welcomed us as His children.

Our obedience (which we explored here) does not earn us a place in God’s family. We begin from the knowledge that, in His goodness, God has already received us. This changes the way we think about obedience. A child who loves their father does not want to deliberately cause him sorrow. In the same way, Benedict says that those who know they belong to God should take care not to grieve Him through the way that they live.

This is not about living in fear of God. Benedict is not trying to make us anxious about every mistake or failure. He is reminding us that our actions matter because our relationship with God matters.

Sin is not simply breaking a rule. It damages our relationship with the One who loves us.

There are times when we know we have chosen something we should not have chosen. We have spoken harshly, acted selfishly, held on to resentment or simply ignored what we knew God was asking of us. Benedict does not tell us to pretend these things do not matter.

God has already welcomed us as His children. That means that when we recognise our failures, we can turn back to Him. We can confess what we have done, receive His mercy and begin again.

Perhaps there is something in your life that you know is grieving God. Bring it honestly before Him. Do not hide it. Ask for forgiveness and ask for the grace to choose differently.

The knowledge that we are God’s children should shape the way we live. We are called to live in a way that reflects the love of the Father who has welcomed us.

A Practice for the Week

At the beginning of each day, remind yourself that you are a child of God. Then take a few moments to consider how you are living. Is there anything in your thoughts, words or actions that you know is not pleasing to Him?

If something comes to mind, bring it honestly before God. Ask for His forgiveness and for the grace to live differently.

A Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for receiving me as Your child. Give me grace to live in a way that honours You. When I fail, keep me from hiding from You. Give me the humility to confess my sin and the courage to begin again. May my life reflect the love of the Father who has welcomed me.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.