When I think of the word “child” I think of young, innocent, pure, active, trusting, obeying, constantly growing (in many areas), connecting physically and emotionally, needing instruction, receiving love and care. I have recently heard others add to this list: sponge, mirror, already have value, learn from their mistakes, a parent misses them when they are independent.
John 1:12 says, “But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.”
Let’s break this verse down by looking at some of the words.
Receive – learn, be near, accepted, place faith in
Believe – trust, faith, acknowledge Who He is
Gave – salvation
Right – claim, freedom, privilege
Become – belong
Of God – not human
I am His child. This is my identity.
Because I receive Jesus (place faith in), because I believe in Jesus (He is part of the Trinity ((Father, Son, Holy Spirit)) Who died and rose), I have been given the freedom and privilege (salvation/eternal life) to become His child.
A child who is loved and cared for. A child who is constantly growing and in need of comfort. A child who has value already (without saying or doing anything). A child who is being asked to trust and obey (a great hymn by the way). A child who when reading Scripture is like a sponge, longing to mirror Him. And I am sure He misses me when I become “independent.”
1 John 2:28 mentions remaining in fellowship with God. This will keep me growing. Constant growth. Learning from Him; how to love others. Learning about Him; His character. Staying connected to feel His peace. Being reminded that I am valued.
1 John 3:1 tells us about Him lavishing His love on those who are His children. My kids make mistakes and they learn from them (mostly); and I love them still. I make mistakes and learn from them (mostly); and He loves me still. This is hard to grasp sometimes, if not most of the time.
Let me rewrite the definition of “I am His child” … I belong.
Growing up I had a hard time feeling like I belonged. Not quite “fitting in” in any area. I had an imaginary friend. We would do all sorts of things like tea parties, playing store, playing school, create a routine on the swing set together. Sometimes I would find myself trying to prove that I belonged with others by saying or doing things that I am not proud of. Or wanting to belong but I couldn’t for some reason or another because of lack of abilities, parents, not having enough money. As an adult I sometimes felt like and in certain times I still feel like I don’t belong…do I dare list those examples? … trying to prove myself or wanting to belong to something or someone.
Not with Him. With God, I belong. All the time and for eternity and it has NOTHING to do with my outward appearance, my performance or my lack of something. I belong because I am His child. I am a daughter of the Creator of all things because I simply receive and believe in His Son, Jesus.
I am ONE story,
~ Kristy
John 1:12 ESV (English Standard Version)
12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,
1 John 2:28 HCSB (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
28 So now, little children, remain in Him, so that when He appears we may have boldness and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.
1 John 3:1 NIV (New International Version)
3 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.