February 13

Morning

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. Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is. — 1 John 3:1-2 BSB

“Behold, what kind of love the Father has given to us!” Think about who we were, and what we still feel ourselves to be, even now as sin tries to overpower us. It’s amazing to think that we are adopted into God’s family. Yet, we are called "children of God." What an incredible relationship that is—being a son or daughter of God! And what privileges come with it! Just as a son expects care and affection from his father, and a father has a deep love for his son, we now experience that love and care through Christ.

As for the temporary suffering we share with our older Brother, Jesus, we gladly accept it as an honor: "The world does not recognize us because it didn’t recognize Him." We are content to be misunderstood with Him in His humility because we know we will be exalted with Him in glory.

"Beloved, now we are the children of God." That’s easy to read, but not always easy to feel. How is your heart today? Are you deep in sorrow? Does sin feel like it’s taking control, and grace like a tiny flicker being trampled underfoot? Does your faith feel weak? Don’t fear—it’s not your strength or feelings that keep you going. You must simply live by faith in Christ. No matter how you feel, whether you're in the valley or on the mountaintop, "Beloved, now we are the children of God."

You might say, "But look at me! My spiritual life isn’t shining; my righteousness isn’t glowing with any splendor." But the Scripture says, "It has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him." The Holy Spirit will purify us, and God's power will transform us. One day, we will see Him as He truly is.

Evening

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. — Rom 8:1 BSB

Think on this, my soul: by believing in Jesus, you are truly and completely freed from all guilt. You’ve been released from the prison of sin. You’re no longer bound by the chains of slavery to the law; you are free from sin, and you walk as a free person—because your Savior’s blood has purchased your full pardon. You now have the right to approach your Father’s throne. There are no flames of wrath there to scare you, no fiery sword to block your way; justice cannot harm the innocent.

All your past barriers have been removed. Once, you couldn’t see your Father’s face—now you can. Once, you couldn’t speak with Him—now you have access with confidence. Once, you feared hell—now that fear is gone, because how can there be punishment for those declared innocent? Those who believe in Christ are not condemned and cannot be punished. What’s more, the blessings you might have enjoyed if you had never sinned are now yours, because Christ has kept the law perfectly for you. Every ounce of love, acceptance, and favor that would come from perfect obedience now belongs to you, because Christ’s perfect obedience has been credited to you. Through Him, you are rich with blessings, for He became poor for your sake.

Oh, how much love and gratitude you owe your Savior!

“A debtor to mercy alone,
Of covenant mercy I sing;
Nor fear, with Your righteousness on,
My person and offerings to bring:
The terrors of law and of God,
With me can have nothing to do;
My Savior’s obedience and blood,
Hide all my transgressions from view.”