“…what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God…” – 1 John 3:1 (KJV)
Sometimes, we take for granted our sonship in the family of God. We may forget our spiritual last name is ‘Christian.’ There are times we may carry the name of our Lord in a manner that does not model His love. Thankfully, His love is what brings us back. Like a child who insists on being free from a loving home, estranged from the Lord’s love is the loneliest place, but resting in His love, we are secure.
The quality of God’s love is incomprehensible to the human mind, but it begins by defining us as His. Belief in Jesus has its benefits. We are adopted as sons and daughters into God’s family! What manner of love is the Lord’s love? A love that looked at the cross as forgiveness of sins, overcoming death, offering faith, and life eternal with perfect love. Christ died for us – to live in us – to love through us. Like the life-giving sun, the Lord’s love warms our cold, doubtful souls. 1 John 3:16 (KJV) says, “Hereby, perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”
Adoption into God’s family does not guarantee adoption into the community of Christ’s followers. It takes time and trust. We have to adjust to unconditional love and freedom of forgiveness. If we are tempted to drift back into our former way of living, we act like we are someone we’re not. Driven by fear, we succumb to the shame of a former life buried by Christ’s death and resurrection.
Perfect love, however, does not allow us to linger on our imperfect past. We can be assured that we have been translated from spiritual death into spiritual life, for the love of the Father has been manifested towards us through His son Jesus. What love!
Let us Pray
Heavenly Father, we are grateful for the love You have demonstrated toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Help us to live this love knowing that perfect love does not allow us to linger on our imperfect past in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Read: John 15:13; 1 John 4:9-10
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 22:22-31; Mark 3:31-35; Mark 4:1-29; Exodus 23; Exodus 24
