WE ARE HIS CHILDREN

1 John 2:29
If you consider that God is righteous, you also know that everyone who acts in righteousness is begotten by Him.
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It has been a standard greeting among us Filipinos, especially for people we have not seen for quite a while. As a child, whenever I go my aunts, uncles, grandparents on Christmas or New Year, they would always exclaim, “Wow, ang laki-laki mo na” or “Binatang-binata ka na, ah” (“Wow, you’re all grown-up!”). Most of the time, it does refer to having grown physically. And, throughout the day being with them, additional comments can also be heard (“You are still naughty”, “You are still childish”, “You are wise, just like your father”).

Such comments can increase our self-esteem, for we know that other people recognize us and the traits that are within us. And as we go through life, those comments may make or break us, depending on how we accepted those impressions. Better to look at them positively and use as guides on improving ourselves.

Similarly, as we go through our Christian life, isn’t it great also that our God, the Father, could say the same comments – that we have grown in His love and act in righteousness, such that we are really worthy to be called His children. “We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. Everyone who has this hope based on Him makes himself pure, as He is pure.”

Almighty Father, I am Your child and will remain forever to be in and with You. Let me grow in You, in Your mercy and in Your love so when it is time to see You face to face, You can truly exclaim that I have changed by acting in righteousness, making myself pure, though knowing that I am not perfect in Your eyes.

Oh Lord, grant us forgiveness for all the sins we have committed. Grant us the love that we may be called Your children, as we remain in You forever and ever.

“My life remains in Him, forever
And His love is bestowed on us, for we are His children.”

God pours His love into our hearts, so it may flow out to others.