1 John 3:1-7 (NRSV)
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Chapter 3See what love the Father has given 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. Verse 2Beloved, we are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. Verse 3And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.
Verse 4Everyone who commits sin is guilty of lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. Verse 5You know that he was revealed to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. Verse 6No one who abides in him sins; no one who sins has either seen him or known him. Verse 7Little children, let no one deceive you. Everyone who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.
Devotion
I love it when my youngest daughter calls me, "Daddy-O.” I know she’s happy, feels close to me and about to ask for a favor! The title "Daddy-O" defines the treasured joy of our relationship.
This text in 1 John is rich in relational concepts and language: "the Father's love," "children of God," "little children." There can be no doubt the Father's love has embraced humanity. The Father's love defines who we are. The author tells us our lives are shaped by this love, "See what love the Father has given us that we should be called children of God; and so we are." We have been surrounded by this love and called to live in the Father's joy through Jesus' life, death and resurrection. Letting this love guide our actions and select our words points to Father. The world in which we live is desperate to know the joy and comfort of the Father's love. "Hey Daddy-O, I’m home!"
Prayer
Thank you, Father, for calling us your children, for claiming us as your own, for keeping us close to you, and for loving us with all your heart. Amen.