Can you imagine what it must have been like for God the Father to see his ONLY Son as a tiny helpless baby in a feeding trough, to be separated from him in a way he had never been before?

What love there must be in the heart of the Father to choose this separation!

But this was only the beginning. In just a few short years, the Father would experience complete and utter separation as he turned his face away from his dying Son.

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! (1 John 3.1)

This great elaborate and loving plan was all for us! So that we might become his children.

So why do we struggle to love each other as God’s children? Why are we unwilling to lay down our opinions, our desires, our plans, and our wants for our fellow Christians? Why are we so often self-focused, petty and unforgiving?

Jesus set the example for us. He refused to take advantage of his equality with God the Father. He willingly gave up his divine privileges to take on the form of a humble servant, for our sake.

When we hold onto wrongs done to us, refuse to forgive, or live as though it’s all about us, we cheapen his priceless gift. We denigrate his sacrifice. We belittle the inestimable price he paid for us.

"Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." John 4.11

Lord, I confess that it is easy to say I love You and then turn around and mistreat my brother or sister in Christ. Forgive my self-centeredness, my penchant to hold onto wrongs done to me. Give me a heart of forgiveness and love. May what I say and the way I live be a true reflection of You. Amen.

Throughout This Day: Invite God to show you if there is someone around you who needs a special manifestation of his love today.

Rediscover the real source of love and share it with your friends.



Tags: Daily Devotional 1 John 3
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