Daily Devotional

See what great love the Father has lavished on 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.
- John 3:1

This passage invites us to contemplate the profound love that God has for us in calling us his children. It is a love that transcends all human understanding, a love that places us in an intimate relationship with the Creator of the universe.

Being called a child of God is not an empty title; it is an identity that transforms our lives. It means that we are loved unconditionally, regardless of our faults and imperfections. This love is a gift, a divine grace that we cannot deserve. We are accepted exactly as we are, because God's love is perfect.

However, this relationship with God often makes us strangers to the world. Our values and principles may differ from those who don't know God. We can be misunderstood, ridiculed, or may even face persecution because of our faith.

But we must not live in fear! God's love strengthens us and enables us to live according to His will, regardless of the circumstances. We must remain faithful to our calling as children of God, radiating His love and light in this world, even if the world doesn't recognize us.

The verse from 1 John 3:1 reminds us of the heavenly Father's incomparable love for us and our identity as His children. May we live a life worthy of this calling, sharing this love with everyone around us, so that others may also come to know God's transforming love.

Act like a child of God!

• Cultivate a deep intimacy with God on a daily basis, always remembering His immense love for you, to strengthen your faith and trust.
• Demonstrate God's love to others by acting with compassion, forgiveness and kindness, even when the world doesn't understand or rejects your faith.
• Maintain an eternal perspective, remembering that you are a child of God, prioritising spiritual values over worldly ones.

Pray:

"Those who sow with tears
will reap with songs of joy.
⁶ Those who go out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with them."
Psalm 126:5-6

The "law of sowing" or the planting rule is a concept that is covered a lot throughout the Bible. Jesus taught several parables about the sower, types of soil and seeds (like the mustard seed, for example). Paul also said (in Galatians 6:7) that "A man reaps what he sows.". From these and other references, we can see that, in all areas of life, we reap what we sow.

Today's psalm tells us about a different aspect of planting. It's the only place in the Bible where a different kind of harvest is mentioned to the one of planting. The law of sowing here is wrapped up in the grace and mercy of the Lord who sustains all things! God grants those who sow with tears (humility, trust and contrition) to reap their sheaves full of joy (happiness, contentment and satisfaction)! Entrust your seed to Jesus who can transform a small seed into many sheaves. He can also turn your weeping into joy!

Even with tears and difficulties, sow your seed:

• Planting is related to trust. Give your plans to the Lord and trust that He will do everything.
• Pray to God constantly, and ask Him to sustain and direct you in all your life's purposes.
• God gives birth and growth, but you have to plant! Work hard and be cheerful!
• After sowing with faith, pray and wait patiently on the Lord.
• Ask God for guidance so that you will always bear good fruit, through the action of His Spirit in your life.
• The Word of God is the Good Seed. Share the Gospel with others around you.

Pray:

Lord, help me to plant seeds with faith and hope in you. May I trust that You sustain all things and that You sustain my life, my family, and all my dreams. Even when I'm weary, tired or beaten down by the wear and tear of life or the strain of work, may I continue to plant good seeds. May these seeds produce good fruit that will remain, for the blessing of many and your glory, in Jesus' name! Amen.