1 John 3:1-3 (NLT) See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him. Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure.
Growing up, Andrew admired his father greatly. His father was known throughout the community as a man of integrity, kindness, and wisdom. Whenever Andrew found himself in difficult situations, he would often ask himself, “What would Dad do?”
As he grew older, people began to notice similarities between him and his father. Not only did he resemble him physically, but he also spoke like him, treated people like him, and carried himself with the same dignity and character.
One day, a neighbor remarked, “Anyone who knows your father can tell that you are his son.”
That statement stayed with Andrew for years because it reminded him that being someone’s child is not merely a matter of title; it is a matter of nature and resemblance.
The Apostle John invites us to marvel at an even greater reality: God calls us His children, and that is exactly what we are. This is not a future promise alone; it is a present reality for everyone who has believed in Christ Jesus.
The love of God is so great that He did not merely forgive us and leave us as strangers. He adopted us into His family and gave us the right to be called His children.
Yet John also reminds us that there is more to come. Although we are already God’s children, we have not yet seen the fullness of what we shall become. When Christ appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He truly is.
This hope is not meant to make us passive. Rather, it should inspire us to pursue purity.
Just as a child often desires to resemble a loving father, believers who eagerly await the return of Christ seek to become more like Him.
The expectation of seeing Christ should affect how we live today. It should influence our thoughts, our words, our decisions, and our conduct.
As you go into today, remember that you are not merely a forgiven sinner; you are a child of God. Live in a manner worthy of your heavenly Father and allow the hope of Christ’s return to motivate you toward purity and godliness.
Prayer: Father, thank You for Your great love that has made me Your child. Help me to live in a way that reflects Your nature and pleases You. Let the hope of seeing Christ keep my heart pure and focused on You.
Confession: I am a child of God. I have received His life and nature. As I await the return of Christ, I walk in purity, love, and obedience, becoming more like Him every day.
— Abraham D. Arigi
