Writing is something that I simply enjoy doing. Because I like writing, I like reading and discovering new ideas (at least for me) to write about. Maybe a new concept or insight that’s fresh, and I want to share that with everyone else. Nothing wrong here. But sometimes, I work harder than needed, responding to a feeling of an inner drive to wow someone with a new perspicacious idea.
But all that’s needed is a simple reminder. Simple is often more powerful! Simple can overwhelm us with the greatness of God. Sometimes simple is all we need.
God loves us. He sees us. He knows us. He died for us. He lives for us. He would do it all over again, just for us. That’s about as simple as it gets. Powerful? You bet! Overwhelming? For sure!
I wonder if John, in his first epistle, was captivated by the same when he wrote…
See how great a love the Father has given us, that we would be called children of God; and in fact we are. 1 John 3:1
The first word is fantastic! “See”. It seems it is both a command for us and an emphatic exclamation. Like when a child runs to a parent and exclaims,
“See what I did!!”
It’s a command and an emphatic exclamation of what follows the command. Well, what follows the command to see?
…how great a love the Father has given us
God loves us with such intensity that I believe it’s impossible to articulate. God freely gives the love we need of His own free will. It’s not forced or done because He has to. It’s put on display every day because He wants to! He chooses to!
When I reflect on my life, I’m undeserving of that love. Because of all the times, I know I’ve let God down, I know I’m unworthy of His love. And that’s the overwhelming part! I still am a recipient of His love! Everyday! Not because I deserve it or because He has to…but because He wants to! He gets to! Oh, how great a love indeed! My only response can be like John’s! “Look! See how great God’s love is!” It causes me to burst forth in praise and worship (and I can’t carry a tune in a bucket!)
The last part says this…
…that we would be called children of God; and in fact we are.
Adopted is what comes to mind when I read this last phrase. Adopted. To be adopted means the person is legally a son or daughter and immediately has all rights as a son or daughter. I love all three of my daughters. They all have rights as a daughter of ours. But they are ours. They came from my wife and me. Those rights exist by default. I don’t choose to or not to honor those rights. They are self-evident. Adoption is different. Adoption is choosing to give said rights to another as if that child came from my wife and me. There is a distinctive difference. Being children of God, we are adopted, receiving a new life, a new home in heaven, and a new Heavenly Father who desires to…love us with great love! What an inheritance!
When, through faith, we accepted the truth about the person and purpose of Jesus Christ, we were each given a new name and, with that new name, new rights as sons and daughters of God. The adoption is not based on our merit but on God’s grace!
“…how great a love the Father has given us.”
I don’t know where you’re at with God. Maybe you know you’re a child of God. If so, let this remind you of the depth and breadth of God’s love for you.
If you’re unsure, maybe it’s time to be sure. Perhaps today might be the day you choose to allow yourself to be adopted, becoming a child of God, loved by Him. And you’ll discover that being a child of God is your safe place. The One you run to when things feel like they’re falling apart. You can climb up into His lap and just let Him hold you. And know that…
You are loved!
