Yesterday’s featured reading from 1 John continues to explore two crucial themes: our relationship with God and the impact of sin on that relationship. John reminds us of the incredible reality that we are children of God, an identity that should shape every aspect of our lives. Yet, he also acknowledges that we live in an “in-between” place, where the fullness of God’s kingdom is not yet realized, and sin still exerts its influence.
Being children of God is a profound truth that offers both assurance and a call to action to address. John assures us that our identity in Christ is secure, but he also challenges us to live in a way that reflects this identity. I teach our confirmation students that sin is anything that damages or breaks our relationships with one another. We are to turn away from these harmful actions, recognizing that they disrupt our fellowship with God’s world and hinder our spiritual growth.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, “Being a Christian is less about cautiously avoiding sin than about courageously and actively doing God’s will.” This perspective encourages us to focus not only on avoiding sin but also on actively living out our calling as God’s children.
Living in this “in-between” place can be challenging. We experience the tension between our new identity in Christ and the lingering reality of sin. Yet, John’s message is one of hope and encouragement. John reminds us that, despite our struggles, God’s love for us is steadfast and transformative.
As we reflect this week, let’s embrace our identity as God’s children. May we seek to live not in fear of how we fall short, but out of a deep desire to align our lives with God’s will. Let’s take comfort in knowing that God’s love and grace are always available to guide us through this in-between place.
May God’s peace find you today. -Pastor Peter
Let us pray… Gracious God, help us embrace our identity as your children. Strengthen us to do better, rebuild what we have broken, and reflect your love in all we do. Amen.