How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God. I John 3:1 (New International Version, NIV- original version)

As children of God, we have a father, which is pater in Greek, meaning nourisher, protector, upholder. Metaphorically, it is the originator of a family. We are born of God. We came from God, so He is our Father, the One who loves us and cares for us. The love He has given is expressed in the fact that He gave us Christ as the payment for our sins- to win us back. Now God, as the Father, calls us His children. He has called us to be His very own family.

The highest call we can receive is when God our Father calls us His children. He calls us into relationship with Him. As He, the Father, loves us, we can now love Him as dear children, beloved of the Father.

Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. I John 3:2 (NKJV)

Since God is called our Father andw e are His children, let’s get to know our Father daily by spending time with Him- through His written Word, by the Holy Spirit, and by allowing Him into our daily lives. God has called us to enjoy His presence daily through fellowship with Him. As we talk and listen to Him, worship Him, love Him and bask in the love He has given us, we draw near as His dear children. Little children love to climb up in their daddy’s lap and enjoy being near him, and our relationship with our heavenly Father should be the same.

Our Father shows us His love through His Word, by fulfilling His promises, meeting our needs, and always being there for us and with us. God’s way is always the way of love. As a child of God, answer the call daily to know Him, spend time with Him, and receive all He is and gives. God, who is love, loves us as His dear, beloved children. As we allow Him to show us His love daily, we will experience how much the Father loves His children- beyond measure.