Tantrums or Transformation
I have heard many parents say that three is a difficult age. The first half of three for our sweet girl Kelsey has been relatively uneventful, but the second half has proven to be what most complain about. She is trying to figure out how the world works, what emotions are all about here, and how to navigate being a person on this planet. While this is generically true of most three-year-olds, I noticed something interesting.
On Elizabeth and I’s patient, good days, Kelsey is typically able to get through the tricky parts more quickly; however, when Elizabeth and I are having a bad day and not as patient, Kelsey struggles more to calm down and process her big three-year-old emotions. I’m not commenting on parenting at the moment. My observation is that Kelsey becomes more relaxed and generous when we are calmer and more gracious. I can also observe that Kelsey interacts with others similarly to Elizabeth and me. Sometimes, this feels great; other times, it shows our shortcomings.
All these thoughts came to mind today because of the passage we are looking at this week. As we continue through the letter of 1 John, we come to chapter three and realize we are children of God. And this means we should be like Him and not the world. Unlike Elizabeth and I, who are imperfect parents, God always remains faithful to His perfect character. The author of 1 John spends a great time in the letter reminding the readers of their foundational view of who God is and what God’s love implies for their lives.
God’s love isn’t just about happy, blissful thoughts; love is part of life and action. God loved us by sending His only son to live and die for our sins so we could be restored to our relationship with Him. God didn’t just say, “I love them so much. Too bad they will never really know me; their loss.” God did something radical and sent His only son to suffer on our behalf.
1 John is written to this group of people to help them realize how important this understanding is. The people who have left the church have given up on seeing and believing Jesus was the son of God who died for humanity’s sins. Those reading this letter need encouragement to remain in the faith they received at the beginning. As we continue reading 1 John, we see that knowing this fact is only part of the equation.
As we draw closer to God as our heavenly father, we begin to live and become like him. This transformation is possible because we are His children and live by the love He has shown us.
Do you feel like God’s child? If you do, reflect and thank God for being your heavenly father. If not, spend time exploring what might be getting in the way of your relationship.
Can people see your Heavenly Father’s influence on your life as you do your business, work, play, and rest?
Lord, allow us to draw near you, our heavenly Father, and have lives transformed by your love. Amen
Read 1 John chapter 3 HERE.