Following Jesus Series: Being a child of God Part 2.

This series called 'Following Jesus' is primarily written with young children in mind.   However, a parent, grandparent or interested adult will be most helpful in accompanying them. God calls us His children and He wants us to become once again like little children- not childish but childlike.  So with this in mind, whether we are a young child or an adult, this series may assist you in some way to follow Jesus.

In today's post, we explore further what it riches we have in being called a child of God.

In last week's post, we explored the story of David who was chosen to be King of God's chosen people (1 Kings 16:12-13).  You might like to reflect upon this story again.  This story is important for us because just as a great change took place in David when he was anointed king, a greater change took place in us when God called us to be His children.  This occured when we were born, but at Baptism we received a share in God's own life and love. The great gift of santifying grace made us adopted Children of God.  We became holy and pleasing to Him and the Holy Spirit came to live in us.  This is why receiving the Sacrament of Baptism for Catholics is so very important. We may liken santifying grace as the sap which gives life to the vine.

The gift of santifying grace just did not happen. No, it was won for us by Jesus Christ, the Son of God, which means this gift gives us the right to go to Heaven, the home of God, our Father.

God also gives us another grace known as actual grace which is the help we need to live as His children.  Actual grace gives light to our mind so that we may know what is right and pleasing to God.  Acutual graces gives strenth to our will so that we may able to act as children of God. Actual grace can be likened to the sap which makes the vine strong.

God our Father gives us this gift of actual grace freely but He does not force it upon us. It is really important that we accept this grace from God and say thank you because  without this help from God, we cannont reach Heaven which is our true homeland.

So  with your mum/dad/grandparents or special someone who is accompanying you on this journey, let us learn now from the Catechism about these graces. You can learn the meanings together.

What does sanctifying grace do for us?

Santifying grace:

1. Makes us holy and pleasing to God.
2. makes us adopted Children of God.
3. Makes us temples of the Holy Spirit.
4. Gives us the right to Heaven.

What is actual grace? 

 Actual grace:

1. is a supernatural help of God which enlightens our minds so that we may know what is right and pleasing to God.

2. strengthens our will to do good.

3. strengthens our will to avoid evil.

 To help you remember these graces and their importance, you might like to:

• place a photo of your baptism on your wall/ on your desk.
• draw a picture of a baby being baptised at a church ( if you do not have a photo of your own baptism).
• draw a picture of a vine with the sun shining on it.
• Draw your own picture  to show that God helps you to live a child of God with the help of actual grace.
  

As you draw your pictures, remember what these graces are and say aloud what each of these graces and how they help you. Make it personal by using your name.

For example. When I ( put in your name) was baptised, I received santifying grace. Santifying grace makes me holy and pleasing to God, makes me an adopted child of God, makes me a temple of the Holy Spirit and gives me the right to Heaven.

When you make these definitions personal, it will be easier to remember and also you can use these definitions as a starting point to your own prayer. You might like to compose your prayer with your special person who is helping you.

Next week: understanding temptation and preparing for battle Part 1.