A few years ago, a beloved maiden aunt died. She’d been in poor health so her death didn’t surprise anyone in the family. We expected it.

After her death, I received a notice that I had inherited her estate in toto—no small sum (before you start thinking, ba-ching, millionaire, it was no huge amount either).

Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! No one expected me to be the sole heir of my aunt’s estate. The bulk of the money went toward taxes (more than I wanted to pay, a whole lot more, and who really likes paying taxes) and financial help for my parents (never enough for what they sacrificed for us).

I give props to my youngest sister who provided the primary care for my aunt in her declining years. She, rather than I, now manages the inherited finances and deservedly so.

The Bible talks about our inheritance as sons and daughters of God, an inheritance paid for in blood. Our elder brother made sure we got a piece of the family’s riches.

“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory” (Romans 8:16-17, NIV).

So what have we inherited?

Acceptance.

Affirmation.

A seat at the dinner table.

A place in the Father’s heart.

A hope.

A future.

A purpose in life.

Direction for life—the WAY!

An eternal destination—HOME!

Abundance.

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us” (Ephesians 1:7-8a).*

Abundance.

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1).*

Abundance.

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8).*

I could repeat the word many times more but I know you’ve gotten the message.

Now here’s the importance of the repetition.

If I think I’m poor, if I think I have a limited supply, if I think I’ll run out, then I will hoard the supposed little I have.

But our eldest brother and the Father of us all both offer abundance. Jesus said, “I have come that they [meaning people like you and me] may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10b).*

If we know who we are (children of God), if we know what we have (the Father’s riches), then we aren’t afraid to share. Life in the family is like a hug. The more you give away, the more you get in return.

*All biblical references are from the NIV.

Question: What treasures have you found among the family’s riches?