A hymn that I have known for longer than I can remember is “Children of the Heavenly Father.” Some days I just find myself humming the melody and singing the words in my mind. It has long been one of my favorites. It was written by Karolina Sandell-Berg in 1858. As is the case with many hymns, it was written after the author had experienced a personal tragedy in her life. She had been on a boat with her father when he fell overboard and drowned. This hymn was an expression of her faith and confidence in the aftermath of that event. Here are the first three stanzas.

Children of the Heavenly Father
Safely in His bosom gather
Nestling bird nor star in heaven
Such a refuge e’er was given

God His own doth tend and nourish
In His holy courts they flourish
From all evil things He spares them
In His mighty arms He bears them

Neither life nor death shall ever
From the Lord His children sever
Unto them His grace He showeth
And their sorrows all He knoweth

To be God’s child is a privileged status. Those who have been born of the Spirit, or been brought to faith in Jesus Christ, have that status. Scripture affirms “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26). Being a son implies that you are an heir of all God has promised. The verses just after this say that all believers are “sons” regardless of their gender or nationality.

You are a child of God with an eternal inheritance because God has given you that status. Your spiritual birth elevates you to the status of God’s child. And that is a gift. Even the faith that grabs onto this is a gift. (Ephesians 2:8). When you believe that Jesus has paid the penalty for your sins, you are God’s child.

You are not God’s child because you strive to be good. You are not God’s child because you’ve earned that right. You are not God’s child because you have been obedient. You are God’s children simply because you’ve been born again, and He is your Father who loves you.

May you find comfort in your status as a child of God.