12/23/2024

Read: 1 John 3:1 - “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.”

Reflect: The love for a child is unlike any other love you can have for another person in this life. All other loves require cultivation; you must work at it, build upon it, and at some point, love for that other person comes to fruition. But your love for your child is born with them. You love them with no expectation of being loved in return, without any anticipation of some profit you might have. You simply give of yourself over and over because they are your son or daughter. How fitting! God’s love for us is so generous and magnificent that He adopts us as His own children. He considers us the heirs of His kingdom right alongside His only begotten Son, Jesus. And think of how much this love now opens to us. We can approach God -- calling out “Abba, Father” in our spirits -- as a parent who loves and only wants goodness and righteousness for their child. And there is nothing that can separate His love from us; those who have come to God He will by no means cast out. In the same way that you will always love your children, no matter the course of their life. It’s important to note that as children of God, the world no longer recognizes us. There are many other “loves” then that are no longer available to us, that we must set aside to make room for the love of God. But being the child of the Father is worth it. We must be willing to give up the whole world and its recognition if that means we can grow up as God’s beloved children.

Respond: Thank the Father for being your Father. Is there anything heavy or burdensome on your heart? Approach the Lord boldly in prayer, knowing He’s your heavenly Father who loves you. At the same time, recommit yourself to trusting Him; only He knows perfectly what is best for us.