“WEDNESDAY IN THE WORD”    June 21, 2023

Being a Child of God Is Pure Grace

1John 3:1-3 NRSV

What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it­­­––

we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are.

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It’s easy to get bogged down in negativity. I’m sure the 24-hour news cycle doesn’t help, with its torrent of catastrophes, scandals, crimes, and all the attendant partisan outrage. While I do think it’s important to stay informed on many of these things, I wonder where we can turn for stories of hope that brings inner joy. For reminders let us remember God is love and that, sometimes, we experience that love in a voice.

I’m glad that one place to turn is with each other. Don’t get me wrong—we share many things, some on heartbreaking news, some give voice to powerful lament. But I also relish the glimmers of new life and resolute faithfulness when we listen and pray together. And when in my solitude, I heard that inner voice.

How would you react if an inner voice says, “Good morning, child of God.” Though not an audible voice, yet it was clear and direct. What did it mean? Where did it come from? Would you keep replaying the strange, powerful greeting in your mind, each time trying to grasp more deeply the potent possibility of its affirming message?

No one is ever outside God’s grace. However, we can be outside the awareness of such. Our salvation is in our awareness and acceptance, because we hear a voice repeating again: “Good morning, child of God.” This time the voice is audible; the voice is your own. Oh, what a blessing it is to be a child of God and know it! Just to be is a blessing. Such sacred worthiness is grace on grace. It is not bought, earned, or won. This worthiness is offered, the God-given birthright of us all.

God chose us, you, and me! Before we knew anything about him, before we had any inkling that he existed or that we needed him or that there was a problem, God chose you when He sent His Son for you. He loves us with intention, with planning, with purpose. The main characteristic of being a child of God, born and adopted, is that we begin to live as Jesus taught on the Earth. (Ephesians 1:4)

There is something with ultimate significance residing in you that you had nothing to do with creating. It is a pure gift, an amazing gift. It’s like pure music inside of you. Before you have planned or accomplished anything at all, you feel something within that is pure, pleasing blessing. It brings you joy. So, rejoice and sing loudly in your own voice, “I am a child of God.”

NOW you are the children of God. That is a wonderful truth. Right now, at this time, in the present, you belong to God. YOU ARE, not maybe, not could be, not shall be, You ARE a child of God. You have been born of God. You are part of God’s eternal famiy. You bear His name. You share some of God’s righteous characteristics. Jesus hints at the same hallelujah reality: “The kingdom of God is within you.” Amazing Grace! Amen.

Rev. Carole