Opening Verse
“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.”
— 1 John 3:1 (KJV)
Introduction
The love of God is beyond human understanding. It is not a love that is earned or conditional; it is freely given. This verse calls us to pause and consider the greatness of this love. What does it mean that we are called the children of God? And why does the world not recognize us?
Devotional Story
There was a young man who had spent his entire life trying to prove himself. He thought that love had to be earned. He worked tirelessly to gain the approval of those around him—his family, his friends, even his own conscience. Yet no matter how much he did, it never felt like enough.
One day, he came across a group of people singing in a park. Their joy was contagious. He stood at a distance, watching, wondering what made them so free. An older man noticed him and approached. “Do you know why we’re singing?” he asked.
The young man shook his head.
“Because we are loved by God, not for what we’ve done, but for who He is.”
The words struck deep. The old man opened his Bible and read 1 John 3:1. “Behold what manner of love… that we should be called the sons of God!”
For the first time, the young man realized that he had been striving for something that had already been given to him. He didn’t have to prove himself. He was already loved.
What This Means
God’s love is not like the world’s love. The world accepts people based on what they do, how they look, or what they can offer. But God’s love is given freely. He calls us His children, not because we are perfect, but because of His grace.
When we accept this truth, it changes us. It sets us free from the need to seek approval from people. It gives us peace, knowing that we are already accepted in Christ. But it also means that the world will not understand us. Just as it did not understand Jesus, it will not understand those who belong to Him.
Think About This
- Do you ever feel like you have to “earn” God’s love?
- How does knowing you are a child of God change the way you see yourself?
- If the world does not recognize you, do you still find your identity in Christ?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your great love. I cannot fully understand it, but I receive it. Help me to rest in the truth that I am Your child, not because of what I do, but because of who You are. Give me strength to walk in this identity even when the world does not understand. Let my life reflect Your love so others may see You in me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Closing Verse
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”
— John 1:12 (KJV)
