Abide Together: Reflections on 1 John 3 and 4

This reading falls on Father’s Day so I can’t help but take special notice of the Father images in these passages.

1 John 3:1 “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.”

1 John 4:14 “And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.”

I also see much about God’s intentions for the family in these two chapters. In chapter 3, it’s clear that as His children we are to work on becoming pure so that we shall be like Him. Verse 10 says that our practices make it evident who our true Father is and therefore we should practice righteousness. He calls us to love one another and not just with words but with our actions. He explains that love is most expressed in sacrifice.

As I read these things, I see a Father’s heart – these are the same things I ask of my own children. I want them to be holy and pure and to act in the ways I have instructed them. I want them to love one another and communicate with more than words in their actions, even making sacrifices for one another.

A few weeks ago, my daughter Kesleigh told me I was her “worst dad.” When I objected, she explained that God was her other dad and so that meant I was her “worst” dad. At first it was tough to hear, but after her explanation I was proud of her. I’m glad she recognizes God as her true Father. My prayer and goal is to keep raising Him up showing her how great He is so that eventually I sort of fade into the background. More of Him. Less of me. He is our true Father.

1 John 4:19 “We love because He first loved us.”

Happy Father’s Day! Celebrate you true Father today.

Steve Corn