1 John 3: 1-2:
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.
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
It’s Valentine’s Day on Friday 14th. The shops will be full of cards ,chocolates, perfume and cuddly toys . It is known as a day to celebrate love, affection and friendship. Yet so many people who receive a card will do so out of tradition with little thought or love in that action at all. Many others will have gone their separate ways even by this time next year. Others will spend a happy life together - getting to know, love and respect their husband or wife and making happy memories as God Himself intended.
Yet look at our verses today - it speaks of a love that goes even way beyond that - God’s Love!
My question to you is this: Do you know the love of Christ?
It’s a most important question to consider. The bible tells us for those who do not know Christ “the wrath of God abides upon them”.
In other words without knowing Jesus as our Lord and saviour we are out of relationship and favour with God.
God’s love is freely given to all who truly know Him. It is “a manner of love“ that is out of this world. It brings us into fellowship and the family of God Himself.
God calls all who put their trust in Christ His children.
When does this take place? “Now are we the sons of God”. It is not some future event for those who are believers. You may feel unimportant, unloved or neglected even.
Others may not recognise it at all “therefore the world knows us not because it knew Him not”. This changes not a thing; Jesus knows you! Jesus loves you!
Yet if you have come to know Christ as your personal saviour you are a child of God. Much loved and known to Him.
Remember the words of the little children’s song:
Jesus loves me this I know for the bible tells me so
Little ones to Him belong we are weak but He is strong
Yes Jesus loves me, Yes Jesus loves me ,Yes Jesus loves me
The bible tells me so.
Yet God has even greater things in store for you “and it doth not yet appear what we shall be”. Now what could be better news than becoming a child of God?
Well He tells us in the remainder of verse 2 - He is coming back again! (Just as He said He would come the first time and He did). When He does He will change us - make us like Him”. No more sighing and sorrow, no more sickness and pain. Bathed and surrounded in His love. It is not fleeting. it never wears off over time. Its true, it’s pure, it’s real and it is to all who call on His name and accept Him by faith.
Our prayer for you this day is each person reading this blog will come to know the love of The Saviour in their own lives.
With our love and best wishes - Pastor John and all @ GCF