Every family has norms and values that define how members interact with each other and the world. My children know that being a Stoever means you will make every attempt to serve others, love wholeheartedly, and live righteously.
Being a member of God’s family comes with so many blessings, not the least of which is freedom. Knowing that we are free people identified as God’s children, there are also responsibilities. We do not get to use the blessing of freedom to do whatever selfish or sinful thing we want. Rather, we experience freedom and find ways to share it selflessly. God’s love and our subsequent salvation are not free passes to allow evil…they are doorways that open into a life of service and willing sacrifice.