1 John 3:1 is a powerful verse that opens our eyes to the incredible love bestowed upon us by God the Father. It’s an invitation to truly grasp the magnitude of this love, which elevates believers to the status of “children of God.” This verse is not just a comforting statement; it’s a profound declaration about our identity and relationship with the divine. Let’s delve into the depths of 1 John 3:1 and explore its meaning for us today.
What Manner of Love: Reflecting on God’s Unfathomable Affection
The phrase “Behold, what manner of love” immediately commands our attention. The word “behold” is not casual; it’s a call to stop, look, and marvel. It urges us to contemplate the extraordinary nature of God’s love. The original Greek word translated as “what manner of” (ποταπὴν – potapēn) suggests not just the size, but the quality of this love. It’s a love that is so unique and exceptional that it evokes awe and wonder. This isn’t a love we earned or deserved; it’s a love freely given, a testament to God’s grace and boundless generosity. Think about the depth of a parent’s love for their child – 1 John 3:1 invites us to consider a divine love that surpasses even this, a love that is truly beyond measure.
Called Children of God: Embracing Our New Identity
The verse continues, “that we should be called children of God.” This isn’t merely a symbolic title; it speaks to a radical transformation in our very being. To be called “children of God” signifies adoption into God’s family. In Roman culture, adoption was a significant legal act, granting the adopted child all the rights and privileges of a natural-born child, including inheritance. Spiritually, this is what God has done for believers. As highlighted in Romans 8:15-17, we receive the “Spirit of adoption,” making us heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. This is a move from being mere creations to becoming cherished family members. It’s a profound shift in status, offering intimacy, belonging, and an inheritance that is eternal.
And That Is What We Are: Living in the Reality of Sonship
The emphatic declaration, “And that is what we are!” reinforces the reality of our new identity. It’s not just a future promise or a hopeful aspiration – it’s our present reality. This verse assures us that we are children of God, right now. This certainty is crucial for our faith and daily living. It’s not just a label we wear on Sundays; it’s the core of who we are. As John 1:12 states, to those who believe in His name, He gives the right to become children of God. This right is not conditional on our perfect behavior but is rooted in God’s grace and our faith in Jesus Christ.
The World Does Not Know Us: Understanding the Divide
The verse concludes by addressing a stark reality: “The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.” Here, “the world” refers to the system of values, beliefs, and principles that are opposed to God. This world, blinded by its own desires and priorities, fails to recognize believers because it fundamentally fails to recognize God. This lack of recognition is not a reflection of our worth but rather a commentary on the world’s spiritual condition. Just as Jesus himself was not recognized by the world (John 1:10-11), His followers should not be surprised when they face misunderstanding or rejection. John 15:18-19 further clarifies this, stating that the world hates believers because they are not of the world, just as Jesus is not of the world. This distinction highlights the separation between the values of God’s kingdom and the values of the world.
In conclusion, 1 John 3:1 is a verse brimming with profound truths. It invites us to marvel at the immeasurable love of God, to embrace our identity as His children, and to understand why the world may not recognize us. It’s a call to live in the reality of our sonship, grounded in the Father’s love, and to find our assurance not in the world’s approval, but in God’s unwavering affirmation: “And that is what we are!”
