We are loved by the Father and called His children.
“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.”1 John 3:1 (KJV)
What does “Identity” mean in 1 John 3:1?
The King James Version says sons of God, and the Greek word is teknon, which means children. John wants us to marvel at what manner of love makes this possible.
Going deeper
John begins this verse with a call to look: behold. He wants us to stop and take in what kind of love the Father has given. We are called children of God. It is not merely a title. It describes who we are. Everything about our identity, our worth, and our belonging is anchored here, not in our achievements or in what others say about us.
The world does not always understand this, John says, because it did not know Him either. That may explain why the life of a believer can feel out of step at times. Yet we can be settled in who we are. When you feel small, rejected, or unsure of yourself, return to this truth. You are a child of God. Say it out loud today, and let it shape how you walk into your day. Let that be the first thing you hear when other voices tell you who you are.
Reflect
How would your day feel different if you fully believed that you are a beloved child of God?
Pray
Father, thank You for calling me Your child. Help me to live secure in Your love, and to find my identity in You. In Jesus' name, amen.
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