Read: 1 John 2:28-3:10

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. (v. 1)

When you reach your fifties and sixties, you start to do some reflecting on your life. I remember a significant conversation I had with my mother somewhere in those years. She confided to me that if she would die then, she would have no regrets because she had been so richly blessed by God. She spoke of her family, her multitude of friends, her church, and most of all, the God who had lavished so many blessings on her. I know I agreed with her, because the truth of what she spoke was so evident. She was truly a joyful and grateful person.

This incident came back to me as I read the words of our key verse, 1 John 3:1. The word “given” or “lavished” (NIV) is the one that stands out in this verse. It means “to bestow something in generous or extravagant quantities.”

Looking back on my mother’s life, I know she wasn’t talking about wealth or great prosperity. My parents weren’t rich, but they had enough. And what we had went far beyond material things. It was the spiritual dimension of life—our relationship to Jesus and gratitude to God for what we had—that made life fulfilling. Indeed, it is a privilege and responsibility to be children of God.

Prayer:

Thank you, Lord, for the wonderful love you lavish upon us. Help us to respond in gratitude and service. Amen.

Author: John Koedyker

https://woh.org/