The church is a divinely established society of believers. But God's children are living on a planet that is hostile to the interests of the divine kingdom represented by the church. Moreover, members of the church have been ransomed from a life of rebellion against God and from enslavement to the power of Satan.
What ransom price did God pay to establish His church? Acts 20:28.
The church is God's household (Eph. 2:19), whose work it is to reveal the reconciling love of Christ to the world in godly doctrine and godly deeds. By these means, all who are responsive to God's love will be drawn into His family circle, the church.
Throughout eternity, the ransomed church of God will never forget the price He has paid for their redemption. The cross of Calvary will constitute their science and song forever.
Both redemption from sin and membership in God's family while on this earth are precious blessings. What additional privilege does the blood of Jesus open to those who receive Him? Heb. 10:19-23 (compare Heb. 4:14-16; 9:12-14).
Through the blood of Christ, and by the Spirit's power, we have spiritual access to the throne of grace in the Most Holy Place of the heavenly sanctuary. There we may commune with God, receive instruction, and find mercy and grace for help in all times of need. The value of this privilege is beyond words. We must personally have the experience in order to appreciate it.
"Keep your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares, and your fears, before God. You cannot burden Him; you cannot weary Him. He who numbers the hairs of your head is not indifferent to the wants of His children.... Nothing that in any way concerns our peace is too small for Him to notice. There is no chapter in our experience too dark for Him to read; there is no perplexity too difficult for Him to unravel."--Steps to Christ, p. 100.
In view of the purchase price paid for our redemption, how should you treat the gift of life that God has given you? Contemplate 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20 and 2 Corinthians 5:14-16. In view of this purchase, how should you treat others, even those people who are most difficult to love?