Lavished!

It's easy in the everyday rush-of-life to forget the love of The Father. Sometimes its sheer existence is forgotten, let alone the immensity of it.

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on
us, that we should be called children of God!" [1Jn 3:1a]

Notice: that is not a question; it's a statement. An exclamatory statement! That we are even called His child is lavish in itself. Consider all the blessing that comes with this family association and you have..........grace.

"And that is what we are!"

[1Jn 3:1b]

Does the busyness of your routine sometimes blur your vision, like a foggy mirror after a steamy shower? Does your spiritual genealogy get hazy and blend with the physical one? Recorded for our edification is this confirming statment of fact. Consider it our adoption notification.

"The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. " [1 Jn 3:1b]

Now, I know we don't have to travel far from home to be treated like anything but a child of God. Some experience mistreatment by simply placing their feet upon the floor when rising to a new day. It's not according to God's plan but it is a fact of our fallen state. But how can we really expect any less than what Love Himself received?

Ah, but what about me? Do I see others from heavens viewpoint? Do I recognize the kingdom stamp on another child of God? I'm afraid not. I'm unfair, impatient, judgmental, and unkind. But I have the hope to be changed into the likeness of Jesus. I have received the promised Agent of Change, the Holy Spirit.

"Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure. [1Jn 3:3]

Having this hope in Him, an unwavering confidence in Him, means there is hope for me. It is His promise and His will and drives me toward purity of heart. It creates a desire to possess His love and express it to others.

I'll keep watching the skies for His appearing; that I might know Him and be made like Him. All the while remembering that I've been lavished!

My loving Father; I praise You for this love beyond all comprehension - showered upon us lavishly from Your grace. Build in me an awareness that I am Your child and to recognize others in the same light. I confess that I do not always treat them as such. Forgive me. Forgive us for not recognizing You as the holy Son of God. Help me to forgive the mistreatment received from others, as well. Transplant Your heart in mine that leads to loving righteousness and holiness. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Photo compliments of Planetka @ stock.xchng