1 John 3:1-2 - "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is."
Reflection
John’s words in this passage are a powerful reminder of the depth of God’s love and the identity we have in Him. He begins with an invitation to behold—to truly see and recognize—the incredible love that God has given us. This is not a distant or conditional love; it is a love so profound that it calls us His children.
To be called a child of God is not merely a title—it is a reality. Through Christ, we are adopted into His family, given the privilege of belonging to Him. This truth should shape the way we see ourselves and the way we live. We are not defined by our past, our failures, or the opinions of others. We are defined by the love of the Father, a love that is unwavering and eternal.
John also acknowledges that the world does not understand this identity. Just as the world did not recognize Christ, it often fails to recognize those who belong to Him. This can be challenging, especially when we face rejection or misunderstanding because of our faith. Yet, our confidence does not come from the world’s approval—it comes from knowing that we are His.
The second verse speaks of a future hope. While we are already children of God, there is still more to come. We do not yet fully see what we will be, but we have the assurance that when Christ is revealed, we will be like Him. This is the promise of transformation, the fulfillment of God’s work in us.
This passage invites us to live with both present assurance and future expectation. We are loved, we belong to God, and we are being shaped into His likeness. The journey may not always be easy, but the destination is certain.
Personal Application
Consider how this truth impacts your daily life. Do you fully embrace your identity as a child of God, or do you struggle with feelings of unworthiness? The enemy often tries to make us doubt our place in God’s family, whispering lies that we are not enough, that we have failed too many times, or that we do not truly belong. But God’s love is not based on our performance—it is based on His grace.
One way to live in this truth is by reminding yourself daily of God’s love. Take time to reflect on His promises, to meditate on scriptures that affirm your identity in Him. When doubts arise, counter them with His truth.
Another way to embrace this identity is by living in confidence. If you are a child of God, then you are called to reflect His love, His grace, and His character. This means choosing kindness when faced with hostility, offering forgiveness when wronged, and standing firm in faith even when the world does not understand.
Think about how you can encourage others in this truth. There are many who struggle to believe that they are truly loved by God. Your words, your actions, and your testimony can be a source of encouragement to those who need to be reminded of their worth in Him.
Finally, hold onto the hope of transformation. Life may bring challenges, and there may be moments when you feel far from who you want to be. But God is still working. He is shaping you, refining you, and preparing you for the day when you will see Him as He is. Trust in His process, knowing that He is faithful to complete what He has begun.
Prayer
Father, Thank You for the incredible love You have given me. You have called me Your child, and I am grateful for the privilege of belonging to You. Help me to fully embrace this truth, to live in the confidence of Your love, and to reflect Your grace to those around me. Lord, when doubts arise, remind me of Your promises. When the world does not understand, strengthen me to stand firm in faith. Teach me to walk in the assurance of who I am in You, knowing that my identity is secure in Your hands. I look forward to the day when I will see You as You are, when Your work in me will be complete. Until then, continue to shape me, refine me, and draw me closer to You. May my life be a testimony of Your love and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Written by Sarah Fry-Leasure
Add comment
Comments