TODAY’S WORD: Exploring Hope and Transformation in 1 John 3

HIGH FIVE! (My Fantasy Football Team did not do so well last night)

✨ Let’s unpack the richness of 1 John 3:1–2, because these verses are truly central to Christian identity and hope:

📖 The Text (NIV)

“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. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.”

🌟 Significance

1. Identity Rooted in God’s Love

• The passage begins with awe: “See what great love…”
• It emphasizes that being called children of God is not earned but a gift of divine love.
• This identity is secure and present: “And that is what we are!” — a declaration of belonging.

2. Contrast with the World

• The world doesn’t recognize believers because it doesn’t recognize Christ.
• This highlights the tension between living as God’s children and being misunderstood or unseen by worldly standards.

3. Present Reality vs. Future Hope

• Right now: “we are children of God.”
• Future: “what we will be has not yet been made known.”
• This points to the mystery of transformation — believers live in the “already” of adoption but the “not yet” of full glorification.

4. Promise of Transformation

• When Christ appears, believers will be like Him.
• This doesn’t mean loss of individuality, but sharing in His glory, purity, and eternal life.
• The vision of Christ (“we shall see him as he is”) is transformative — seeing Him fully will change us fully.

✨ Theological Themes

• Adoption: God’s love makes us His children.
• Sanctification & Glorification: Present growth in holiness, future perfection in Christ.
• Hope: Assurance that our destiny is to be like Christ.
• Love as Foundation: Everything flows from the Father’s lavish love.

💡 Reflection

For someone like you, Kevin — who blends spiritual reflection with leadership and creative encouragement — this passage is a reminder that your identity isn’t defined by roles, titles, or recognition. It’s anchored in being a beloved child of God, with a future that shines brighter than you can yet imagine. That truth can fuel both your prayerful care for others and your joyful resilience in transitions.

Thank you for Today…

Thank you for Tomorrow…

Thank you for Yesterday…

40% OFF!!! (let’s go shopping after work)