1 John 3:1-3
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears,we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.
As Christians, it doesn't occur to us very often that it is quite a privilege to become God's children. But John reminded us here what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called Children of God. We used to be just unworthy sinners. Had it not been for Jesus' crucifixion for us on the cross, how can we enjoy God's grace, and be called Children of God. Once I was the main speaker for a Christians' retreat. When I arrived at the camp, I asked a coworker there for the direction to the restroom. He just gave me a rough direction. I did see a restroom in that direction, so I went ahead. But when I got there, I looked up and saw the sign on the doors "Prince, Princess". My first thought was that it was not for me. But on second thought, since it was a Christian campsite, when they mentioned prince and princess, weren't they referring to the prince and princess in God's kingdom. Suddenly I realized that God gave us such honorable titles after all. Do you know that you have an honorable title in God's kingdom?
In addition, you have another precious privilege as Children of God, which is that we all have a Heavenly Father that loves us and remembers us every day. All parents would have the same experience, which is that children can never love their parents as much as their parents love them. Children often overlook the needs of their parents, but the parents never overlook the needs of their children. Likewise, our Heavenly Father remembers us every day. No matter what your circumstances are, or how rebellious you are, don't forget that you have a Heavenly Father that loves you. He will never forget nor forsake you. As long as our life is connected with Christ, we can enjoy all the grace God has prepared for us.
Are you sure today you are God's child? If so, you should live like one every day. A prince not only has his honorable identity, he has to live accordingly. May God give us a sensitive heart, so that we can live for the Lord every day.
Pray with Pastor Tong Liu
Lord, we thank you. You are our Heavenly Father. Nowadays many people can't feel your love. May the Spirit reveal to them, so that they can feel embraced by your loving arms and live out the identity of Children of God every day. We thank you and we pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!
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