Scripture: 1 John 3:1-3, 14-18 (NRSV)
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. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.
We know that we have passed from death to life because we love one another. Whoever does not love abides in death. All who hate a brother or sister are murderers, and you know that murderers do not have eternal life abiding in them. We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.
Word in Context
1 John is similar in many ways to the Gospel of John and was long thought to be written by the same author, typically believed to be the Apostle John. It now appears that 1 John (as well as 2 John and 3 John) were written by the same person, but later in the history of the early church.
According to tradition, 1 John was written from the city of Ephesus. It is not really a letter so much as it is an essay or message written to deal with specific issues.
Reflection Questions
- How do you experience being one of God’s children?
- How does God’s love “abide” in us?
- How do you experience God’s love for you?
- How do you express God’s love for others?
Prayer
Lord, help us to love in word and deed. Amen.
Tags: Children of God, God, Hope, Love
