See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
1 John 3:1
Sometimes words seem inadequate. We stand before the ocean, watch a sunset, or hold a newborn child and struggle to describe what we are experiencing. Sometimes all we can say is, “Just look at that!”
John begins this section with wonder: “See what kind of love the Father has given to us!” He invites us to consider the amazing love God gives us.
We often mix up our worth with our worthiness. The Bible teaches that everyone reflects God’s image and has inherent value. But our value does not mean we have earned the right to be in His family. We become “His children” when we recognize and accept His love and grace.
John says that the Father has “given” us this love. Grace is not a reward for good behavior or spiritual achievements. Through Jesus Christ, God invites us into a relationship we could never create on our own. John emphasizes this: “And so we are.” Not someday. Not if we perform well enough. We are His children now.
We may struggle with our failures or wonder if we are disappointing God. But our identity comes from the Father’s love, not our performance. Before rushing to do what God wants, we should take time to appreciate what He has done. We have worth because He created us. We have salvation because He redeemed us. We belong to His family because He has welcomed us through His Son.
Grace does not lessen our value; it shows us that becoming God’s child starts with His goodness, not with our efforts.
Father, we realize that we often confuse our worth with our accomplishments and failures. Thank You for creating us in Your image and sharing Your love with us through Jesus Christ. Help us understand the privilege of being called Your children and live with the assurance that comes from belonging to You. We give up our efforts to earn what You have freely given and find rest in Your gracious love.
Lavished with Grace,
eep
