Scripture: 1 John 3:1-2
See what love the Father has given 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. Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is.
Thought for the Day: I remember getting to the hospital in the middle of the night after receiving a call that one of my congregants had been rushed to the hospital. Because I had to get dressed, and drive about 35-40 minutes, it was almost an hour from when I got the call to when I walked in to the emergency room. At that point, my congregant was stable. Next to him stood a woman who I did not know. She was wearing a cardigan sweater that was covering her name badge. It took a few moments before she introduced herself as one of the chaplains. My congregant then said something that I will forever remember. He said to the chaplain, “Thanks so much for being God with a sweater on tonight.” I took it to mean that she had represented God through her presence and prayers. 1st John suggests that “we will be like” God, as we recognize our place as the beloved children of God. As Christians, we should not go fishing for compliments, but it was one of the finest compliments I have ever heard offered. Not to give anyone a God-complex, but I think it pleases God when our kindness and love causes someone to ask, “Did I just see God?”
Prayer: You love us, Father, with a love that cannot be fully fathomed by us. It is this love that has confirmed our place as your beloved children. As we accept our place within your family, may the love we receive be the love we share. Amen.
