Day 14 — Child of God

“Behold what manner of love the Father has given to 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.”

— 1 John 3:1 (BSB)

Some families grow by adoption. A mom and dad choose a child who needs a family, and they go through a long process to make that child theirs forever. On adoption day, a judge makes it official. From then on, the child gets the family’s last name. They get a room in the house, a seat at the dinner table and a place in every family photo. They’re not a guest or a visitor. They’re family.

The Bible says that when you trust Jesus, something like that happens to you. God adopts you into His family. You become a child of God.

John was so amazed by this that he started with “Behold!” That’s an old way of saying, Look at this! Don’t miss it! “Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God.”

Then he adds four little words that are easy to skip past: “And that is what we are!” It’s not just a nice thing to call us. It’s true. If you belong to Jesus, God really is your Father, and you really are His child.

What does that mean for you?

• You belong. Even if you feel left out at school, you have a place in God’s family that nobody can take away.
• You’re loved. God doesn’t just put up with His children. He delights in them.
• You can come to Him anytime. Kids don’t need an appointment to talk to their dad. Neither do you.
• You have a huge family. Every Christian, all over the world, is your brother or sister.

John also says the world “does not know us.” Some people won’t understand why you follow Jesus. That’s okay. They didn’t understand Jesus either. What matters most is that your Father knows you.

Think about it: How would your day be different if you really believed you are God’s child?

Try this: Write “I am a child of God” in big letters in your notebook. Underneath, write three things that are true about you because of it.

Dear Father, thank You for loving me so much that You made me Your child. Thank You that I belong in Your family. When I feel left out or alone, help me remember whose I am. Thank You that I can come to You anytime. In Jesus’ name, Amen.