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1 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. 2 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. 3 All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. 4 Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. 5 But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. 6 No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him. 7 Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. (1 John 3:1-7 NIV Bible)
A blessed Tuesday to you, dear Friend. May the wonders of God's love embrace you and allow you to share it freely with all, especially those whom no one else wants or sees! Prayer Update: The Rev. Scott Bradford underwent a successful surgery on Monday, April 8th in San Angelo, and reports are the surgery went well. I just spoke with him this morning and he will go home if he can meet doctor's expectations. Prayers for needed next steps!
I love the posts on social media when children are adopted by their foster parents, and those stepchildren who present their stepdad with forms requesting they become their parents. Those videos bring on the waterworks for me. The same can be said for John as he writes this passage. The idea of the great love that God has for us is described with a wonderful word "lavished on us." And right with it, "that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" As children of God, we are enveloped in a love so deep and profound that it transforms our very identity. Yet, John also reminds us of our ongoing journey toward resemblance with Christ. Although the full extent of our future transformation remains a mystery, we eagerly anticipate the day when we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is.
This hope of transformation isn't merely a passive waiting, but an active pursuit. Those who hold fast to this hope purify themselves, aligning their lives with the purity and righteousness of Christ. We are called to live in a manner that reflects our identity as children of God, free from the bondage of sin. For in Christ, there is no sin, and those who abide in Him strive for righteousness.
John makes it clear that a life marked by continual sin is incompatible with a life lived in Christ. To know Him is to turn away from sin, for He came to take away our sins and offer us a new way of living. Let us not be deceived by the allure of sin or the false teachings that diminish its significance. Instead, let us stand firm in the truth, knowing that righteousness is the hallmark of those who belong to Christ.
PRAYER: Loving God, we thank You for the incomprehensible love You have lavished upon us, calling us Your own beloved children. Help us, Lord, to grasp the depth of this love and to live in a manner worthy of our identity in Christ. Grant us the strength to continually purify ourselves, aligning our lives with the purity and righteousness found only in Him. May we never stray from the path of righteousness, but remain steadfast in our pursuit of You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Pursue a life marked by purity and rigtheousness.
I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
