I John 3:1-3; See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him.  Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is.  And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure.

I remember when the girls were young and they’d do something that made me shake my head, I’d say, “She takes after her father!” Today when I look at them and the beautiful sweet spirit they possess, I say they take after their mother! Ha! If my heart swells with pride for my children, imagine how the Father feels when he looks on us. See how much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children.

I don’t know about you, but I love to be loved. When Walt comes to me and puts his arms around me, telling me how much he loves me, something inside me is extremely satisfied. When we love one another, we are able to give that same feeling to others. It’s extremely important to love one another or Jesus wouldn’t have said it. In John 13:35 Jesus said, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” 

Just as your children possess your character traits (good and bad), we possess the love of our Father. It’s a part of our DNA if indeed we belong to him.  He said we would know each other by our love. If we don’t love each other, we don’t love God. Love should be the biggest part of who we are and if you’re not sure of what love looks like, I Corinthians 13 should be a chapter you memorize. May I add that it MUST begin at home! If I can’t love my husband as God loves me, my foundation is unstable and what I build will not last. I must love Walt, respect Walt, honor Walt for my love in the world to be of value. I cannot be to others what I am not first to my husband.

Father, I thank you that you love me. I love you! My heart is overwhelmed with love for you and you always give me opportunity to show that love to others. Everyday, may I show that love. Even when it’s hard, may I show that love. Even when I’m hated, may I show that love. Even when it’s not deserved, may I show that love. Your love changed me and that same love will change others. May I be a vessel you can trust with your love. May I invite others to partake of your love. It’s in Jesus Name, the one you first loved, that I ask this. Amen