Imagine being called a child of God! In 1 John 3, we learn about the incredible love that grants us this identity and what it means for our lives today.
The Reading: 1 John 3
World English Bible1 See how great a love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God! For this cause the world doesn’t know us, because it didn’t know him.
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2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it is not yet revealed what we will be. But we know that, when he is revealed, we will be like him; for we will see him just as he is.
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3 Everyone who has this hope set on him purifies himself, even as he is pure.
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4 Everyone who sins also commits lawlessness. Sin is lawlessness.
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5 You know that he was revealed to take away our sins, and in him is no sin.
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6 Whoever remains in him doesn’t sin. Whoever sins hasn’t seen him and doesn’t know him.
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7 Little children, let no one lead you astray. He who does righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
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8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. To this end the Son of God was revealed: that he might destroy the works of the devil.
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9 Whoever is born of God doesn’t commit sin, because his seed remains in him; and he can’t sin, because he is born of God.
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10 In this the children of God are revealed, and the children of the devil. Whoever doesn’t do righteousness is not of God, neither is he who doesn’t love his brother.
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11 For this is the message which you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another;
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12 unlike Cain, who was of the evil one, and killed his brother. Why did he kill him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother’s righteous.
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13 Don’t be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you.
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14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. He who doesn’t love his brother remains in death.
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15 Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life remaining in him.
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16 By this we know love, because he laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.
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17 But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and closes his heart of compassion against him, how does God’s love remain in him?
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18 My little children, let’s not love in word only, or with the tongue only, but in deed and truth.
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19 And by this we know that we are of the truth, and persuade our hearts before him,
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20 because if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.
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21 Beloved, if our hearts don’t condemn us, we have boldness toward God;
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22 and whatever we ask, we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do the things that are pleasing in his sight.
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23 This is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, even as he commanded.
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24 He who keeps his commandments remains in him, and he in him. By this we know that he remains in us, by the Spirit which he gave us.
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
The Incredible Gift of God's Love
1 John 3 opens with a heartfelt declaration about God's love for us, inviting us to see ourselves as His children. This love is so vast that the world often doesn't recognize us, just as it didn't recognize Jesus.
Our Future Hope
The chapter reminds us that we are currently children of God, but there's still a mystery ahead of us. When Jesus is revealed again, we will see Him as He truly is, and we will be transformed to be like Him. This gives us hope and motivates us to strive for purity.
The Reality of Sin
John clarifies that sin is a serious issue. He states that everyone who sins is acting against God's law, and Jesus came to eliminate sin. Those who truly remain in Him don't continue to sin, showing a clear distinction between being a child of God and living in sin.
Righteousness and Love
The chapter also emphasizes the importance of righteousness and love, warning against being misled. He uses the story of Cain and Abel to illustrate how love is central to our identity as God's children. Hating our brother puts us in a place of spiritual death.
Love in Action
John pushes the message further by stating that love must go beyond words. It must manifest in our actions, especially towards those in need. When we act with compassion, we reflect God's love.
Confidence Before God
Finally, John reassures us that if our hearts are clear and not condemning us, we can approach God with confidence and receive whatever we ask for, as long as we are living righteously and loving one another. This is the commandment we are called to follow.
Why It Matters
The Power of Identity
Understanding ourselves as children of God shifts our perspective on life. This identity comes with responsibilities - primarily to live righteously and love others deeply.
Love as a Verb
John emphasizes that love is not just a feeling; it's an action. This makes us ask ourselves how we can show love in tangible ways. When we notice someone in need, how do we respond?
Community Matters
The chapter encourages us to reflect on our relationships. Are we supporting our brothers and sisters in faith? This community aspect is vital for our spiritual growth. If you're looking for a place to connect with others who share your faith, find a church near you through Sancta.
Hope and Transformation
Finally, we are reminded of the hope we have for the future. As we live with this hope, we are transformed into the likeness of Christ, helping us navigate life with purpose and grace.
Coming Up Next: 1 John 4
In the next part of our journey through 1 John, we delve into the theme of love again, exploring how it's not just a feeling but the very essence of God. Don't miss out on this enlightening chapter!