Easter 3: Second Reading, 1 John 3:1-7                                     

1 John 3:1-7

In our second reading for the week it doesn’t even take the entire first verse to make the heart leap. Some passages of scripture warrant no comment at all. And I think this first half verse is just like that. But indulge me just a bit.

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God” (1 John 3:1a). Sublimity of the highest order in just half a verse. Note a couple things. First, this is no general “Fatherhood of God” in the sense of creation. Yes we are all the created children of God, but that is miles away from what the beloved apostle is referring to here. This is that familial love through the adopting work of the Holy Spirit brought from the cross and resurrection of the Savior. Who happens now to be our elder brother.

Second, this is bedrock truth that needs to be returned to by the Father’s children again and again and again. No matter what the situation or circumstance. No matter what joy or fear, pain or exultation. This truth must be clung to as cause of bliss and salve of the most grievous hurt.

We have been made God’s children. He knows us at our worst. He seeks us in our darkness.

He gives us the light of His Son, places us in a family now, and will one day take us home.

We are God’s children. That feels so good.