February 14

GOD HAS SET HIS AFFECTION ON YOU

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

1 John 3:1

What does success look like? A close, happy family? An important, well-paying or fulfilling job? Good looks? Material wealth? A set of faithful friends? Athletic or artistic achievement? Something else?

Many Christians busy themselves in the pursuit of one or more of these often elusive success benchmarks, all the while forgetting that they already possess life’s most precious treasure.

According to the promise above, Christians are already loved and accepted—fully and completely (see Romans 5:8). When we trust in Jesus to forgive our sins, our status before God changes instantly. We stop being his enemies and become reconciled to him (see Romans 5:10). Better than that, we become God’s beloved children (see John 1:12). He actually adopts us into his family (see Romans 8:15) and makes us his heirs (see Galatians 3:29). Think about all that the next time you’re tempted to feel insignificant.

GOD’S PROMISE TO ME:

• I love you.

• You are my child.

MY PRAYER TO GOD:

O Lord, even though you are the Holy One, the Creator of the universe, the God who sits enthroned above the heavens, you actually love me! Thank you for adopting me into your family. I am not just a forgiven sinner, I am your child because of what Christ has done. Help me today to live out my true identity. Amen.