Revcort's Ramblings

Scripture Focus

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” — 1 John 3:1 (ESV)

Devotional Thought

As John begins chapter three, he pauses to give believers two powerful encouragements that are essential if we are to persevere in the Christian life. The first is a reminder of the Father’s incredible love. The second is a reminder that the world’s rejection of us should not surprise us.

John begins with a statement that almost sounds like he is overwhelmed by what he is writing: “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are!” He wants us to stop and marvel at the greatness of God’s love.

I know something of this kind of love from my own family. I count it a tremendous privilege to be the son of Danny and Suzanne Hill. I love them deeply, and throughout my life I have wanted to honor them. Yet I also know this: if I were to do something foolish or shameful, they would never stop calling me their son. Their love has never depended upon my perfection.

As wonderful as earthly parents can be, their love is only a faint reflection of the Father’s love.

God has created every person in His image. He has given each of us an eternal soul, the ability to love, to create, to reason, and to know Him. Yet every one of us has rebelled against Him. Humanity is born dead in sin, rejecting God’s authority and refusing His love. We deserved judgment, not adoption.

Yet through Jesus Christ, the Father does something astonishing. He adopts rebels into His own family. Those who once stood condemned are now welcomed as sons and daughters of God. John wants us to pause and consider the magnitude of that truth. How can sinful people like us be called the children of God? Only because of the immeasurable love and grace of our heavenly Father.

This new identity changes everything.

When we are born again, we become new creations in Christ. God gives us new desires, new priorities, and a new way of thinking. We begin to love what once seemed unimportant and to hate the sins we once embraced. We are still growing, but something within us has fundamentally changed.

Because we have changed, our relationship with the world changes as well.

The values of God’s kingdom stand in direct opposition to the values of this fallen world. As believers mature, they often discover that people who once understood them no longer do. Friends may question their convictions. Family members may mock their commitment to Christ. Coworkers may think they have become narrow-minded or judgmental simply because they desire to live according to God’s Word.

Peter describes this experience perfectly: “They are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you” (1 Peter 4:4).

John tells us not to be discouraged by this. The world rejected Jesus long before it rejected us. His holiness exposed their darkness. His truth challenged their falsehood. Even many of His own people refused to receive Him.

If we are becoming more like Christ, should we expect to be treated any differently?

In fact, it would be far more surprising if a world that rejected Jesus found no reason to oppose those who faithfully follow Him.

John’s encouragement is wonderfully comforting. First, never forget that you are deeply loved by the Father and have been adopted into His family through Christ. Second, do not lose heart when the world misunderstands or rejects you. If you are experiencing the same kinds of opposition that Jesus endured because you belong to Him, it is not evidence that something is wrong. It is often evidence that you are walking the very path your Savior walked before you.

Take heart. You are a child of God. And if the world does not understand you, remember that it never truly understood Him either.

Reflection Questions

1. When was the last time you paused to truly marvel that God has adopted you as His own child?
2. How does knowing you are a child of God give you confidence during times of failure or discouragement?
3. Have you experienced misunderstanding or rejection because of your faith in Christ? How did you respond?
4. Are you seeking the approval of the world, or are you content to faithfully follow Christ, even when others do not understand?

Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for loving me when I was Your enemy and for adopting me into Your family through Jesus Christ. Help me never to lose my wonder at the privilege of being called Your child. When the world misunderstands or rejects me because I follow Christ, remind me that my Savior experienced the same rejection. Give me courage to remain faithful, confidence in Your unfailing love, and joy in knowing that I belong to You forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.