We all want to be wanted. Adored. Approved of. And loved. There are children who don’t have fathers in the home. Others want parents and a place they can call home. However, as believers, we can have the privilege of being called children of God.
This is another title that God gives us to know our identity in Christ. Much like others that we have talked about. You can read any of them here: chosen, loved, sealed, and blessed.
So how can we become God’s children and know we are His? This is in scripture from each member of the Godhead: God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.
1. Believe in Jesus‘s name and receive Him
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
John 1:12 ESV
When we ask Jesus to be our Lord and Savior, we become His children.
It is as simple as that. We believe. We receive. And we become.
Done– you are now His Child!
2. God‘s love and Children of God
See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God.
1 John 3:1 ESV
God loves us so much that he wants to call us his children. His love was so deep that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for us. Our part is to believe and accept Him. Once that acceptance happens, then we become family.
I remember when I went to summer Bible camp. We had activities that we could choose from. There were so many choices: horses, archery, crafts, and games. One summer, I chose music. Two of my friends and I decided to sing the hymn, The Family of God, as a trio.
Here are some of those words.
I'm so glad I'm a part, of the family of God. I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His Blood. Joint heirs with Jesus, as we travel this sod. For I'm part of the family, the family of God.
Whenever I hear that old hymn, I smile and think about singing it at camp. And I am so thankful for the large family of brothers and sisters in Christ that I have because of my relationship with Jesus.
3. The testimony of the Holy Spirit
The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.
Romans 8:16 ESV
How do we know who the children of God are?
Once we become His child, we now have the name of Christian. Yet, if people have the same last name, that doesn’t mean they are all related. Isn’t a Smith, a Smith? Not necessarily. Neither is a Christian, a Christian.
There are three verses that help us know when a person is one of God’s children.
1. Obey and Love God
By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments.
1 John 5:2 ESV
Which one is easier? Loving God or obeying Him? Being rebellious, I think loving is easier than obeying. It is hard to give up control to God and fully trust Him. Yet He is so faithful, trustworthy, keeps ALL of His promises, and provides for us –over and over again. That obedience is really tied to loving Him. How much do I truly love Him that I want to obey and do exactly as He has asked?
2. Righteousness and Love
By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.
1 John 3:10 ESV
Right-living and loving others determines if a person is a child of God. If their life, ALL of it, even what is done in secret, reflects God, then this person is truly a child of God.
Now, are we all perfect? Definitely not. But if we are willfully sinning and quickly repenting just to be ‘right’ again, something is truly wrong. I question how sincere that person is in their walk with God.
3. Quit complaining and shine His Light
Do things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.
Philippians 2:14-15 ESV
Honestly, this is one that I struggle with. It is hard not to complain about all the little things when there is so much to be thankful for. This is so convicting that our grumbling and complaining are detrimental to our witness about the love and sacrifice God made for us that we need to share with others.
Children of our living God don’t complain and shine God’s light.
Do you know someone like that? They are so thankful to God for ALL He has done that their lives exude God’s bright light to others around them.
One of my co-workers, from a previous job, retired, and she is such an example to me of this. She lives out love, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness even in the midst of trying times when she is in pain or trials. And she shared her faith, even publicly, with our team. Her presence on the team was missed and I pray her example of God’s light is not forgotten among the team members, even today.
Reflection thoughts:
- Are you a child of God? If not, check out this page on our site and learn more about knowing peace with God. If you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, thank God for the sacrifice of His Son and praise His name! Thank Him – God, Son, and Holy Spirit for calling you His child! You have a Father and a family of believers who love you! Embrace them and spend time with them on Sunday and in Bible studies.
- What grabbed at your heart the most today? What do you need to repent for and make a change today? Pray about that now. Pray for those who need to hear about God and become His children.
********
Resource Library
There are many resources in the Resource Library and they are all FREE! Check them out! Free Bible verses. Bookmarks. Monthly Bible reading plans. All for you to grow in your relationship with God.
