In the Bible book entitled “Song of Solomon” (some translations title it as “The Song of Songs” or “Canticles”), there is one of the most sublime expressions of a bride to her husband. “I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine” (Song of Solomon 6:3). This is a beautiful portrayal of the security of a husband and his wife who know they belong to each other. In a good marriage this sense of belonging extends to the whole family. Parents speak of their children with love and joy. Children in turn speak of their fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters with this same love. This sense of belonging is available to all who have become sons and daughters of God (John 1:12). He is their heavenly Father. Jesus is their elder Brother, and all Christ’s followers are their brothers and sisters.

Someone once told me this remark, “If you want to destroy somebody, you do not need to resort to any other means but to simply isolate him or her.” I related this saying during my discourse while visiting a particular country. After my interpreter translated my words to the congregation, he turned to me and in a quiet tone whispered to me, “This is what is happening to me.” This disturbed me very much—that one of our young people should be treated in such a manner or that he should feel that he was being rejected. Even more disturbing is that there are those among us who are actually using such behavior.

I recall the experience of my daughter’s friend whose parents were divorced. She told my daughter, “Since my parents were divorced and remarried, I now have two places to visit, but no home to go to.” This young lady belongs nowhere. What a sad situation this is!

Irrespective of personal experiences, we sought to provide a golden opportunity to make everyone BELONG to the family of God at the recent Pacific Region Youth Congress. We are to BELONG to Jesus. We all are His children. We need to show this in our practice. It costs us nothing to say “hello,” and to greet each other with a smile on our face and with a sense of belonging. Endeavor to make others happy.

We all have, of course, our own special friends and that is wonderful, but try to broaden your heart to make friendships with all. By making others happy, you will be happy yourself. May God bless you all.—B. Jaksic.