1 JOHN 3:1-3 – “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. Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.”

THEME OF THE DAY: RESTING IN OUR FATHER’S LOVE.  Stephen Yuille, in his excellent devotion titled The Heart Taken Up, wrote – We should take time each day to savor the sweetness of this single statement: God is our most loving Father. “This is the will of God,” writes John Owen, “that He may always be seen as kind, tender, loving, and unchangeable in all these.”  When our mind is troubled, we need to exercise our thoughts toward our loving Father. Here is stability amid healthy struggles, broken relationships, shattered dreams, or whatever other challenges come our way. When our heart is troubled, we need to exercise our thoughts toward our most loving Father. Here is strength to endure difficulty and confidence to face uncertainty. When our conscience is troubled, we need to exercise our thoughts toward our most loving Father. Here is the assurance that welcomes us for Christ’s sake.

What is our view of God the Father?  Don’t be quick answering my question.  Don’t just rattle off the Christian answer, “The Bible teaches me God is my Heavenly Father.”  My question is a heart question – what is our view of God the Father as we live the Christian life?

In today’s scripture, we find such a wonderful and accurate view of the first Person in the Holy Trinity – God the Father.  There are two important lessons to learn or be affirmed of in our thinking about Him.  One is stated. The other implied.

First, the stated lesson or affirmation of truth is the incomprehensible but knowable love of God the Father.  Now settle in for a moment and think on this . . . God the Father sees us now and will forever as His children – “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. Beloved, we are God’s children now.”  God’s children now. Yes, He knows us. Yes, He sees us. Yes, we sin. Yes, we don’t always live like His children, and yet, we are . . . right now and forever.  Believe Him despite our conduct. Believe Him despite our feelings. It is true. God the Father loves us. Why? Because He does. Because He is love. That is what He does!

The second lesson is implied and requires we understand how we became His children – through belief in the Gospel of His Son, the Lord Jesus.   And the lesson? Who initiated the plan of the Gospel?  God the Father.  Never look at Him as a reluctant God, a difficult Master with Jesus pleading for Him to accept us.  Not at all.  God the Father is the Architect of the Gospel.  If we need to be convinced, read the “Bible in one verse” and be convinced – “For God (the Father) so loved the world that He (God the Father) gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Back to the first paragraph.  Strive to remember how John Owen described God the Father – “This is the will of God that He may always be seen as kind, tender, loving, and unchangeable in all these.”  This is a true and accurate description of our God from His very Word! Be encouraged.

PRAYER:  Father, I praise You for Your overwhelming love.  Let me never take it for granted.

REFLECTION:  Never allow a day to go by without thoughts toward and thanksgiving for God the Father’s love.