We are called the children of God, and such we are! ∙∙

We are called the children of God, and such we are! ∙∙

See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. – 1 John 3:1

Romans 8:16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.

The Seven Longings of the Human Heart

In his book, “Longings of the Human Heart,” Mike Bickel identifies seven eternal longings that reside within every human heart. These longings are not fleeting desires but deeply rooted aspects of our nature, designed by God to be fulfilled both in this life and in eternity. Bickel categorizes them as follows:

1. The Longing to Be Enjoyed by God

2. The Longing for Fascination

3. The Longing for Beauty

4. The Longing for Greatness

5. The Longing for Intimacy Without Shame

6. The Longing to Be Wholehearted

7. The Longing to Make a Deep and Lasting Impact

Bickel writes, “Not only are our longings universal, but they are also eternal. They are not limited to our relationship with God in this age. God did not intend for our longings to go away after this life. In fact, they and their fulfillment will be even greater in the age to come.”

The Longing to Be Wanted and Belong

One of the deepest longings of the human heart is the desire to be needed and to belong. Through our adoption into the Father’s Forever Family, this longing is fulfilled in an extraordinary way. As children of the King, we are no longer outsiders; we truly belong, completely and eternally. This truth is one of the great wonders of our relationship with God. We have become His children, a reality so profound that we will be contemplating it for all eternity.

The Apostle John explains in John 1:12, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.”

The Greek word for “right” is exousia, which can also be translated as “authority, power, honor, or privilege.” Although it is available to all, not just anyone enjoys this privilege. It is reserved for those who have believed in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and received Him as their Savior and Lord.

Born Again: A Heavenly Transaction

When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, the Spirit of God causes us to be born again. Our rebirth is not a physical experience; it is a divine act with eternal significance. As a result, we become actual children of the King. God becomes our spiritual Father, and we become His beloved children. Our new identity is forever secure.

The Father Himself guarantees this adoption. Since no one is higher than God to draft the adoption papers, He has done it Himself. There is no one greater than Him to swear by; thus, He swore by Himself to uphold His promise. The Father alone signs the papers, ensuring the permanence of our place in His family.

Hebrews 6:13, “Now, when God made his promise to Abraham, since he could swear by no one greater, he swore by himself.”

REFLECT & PRAY

The Father Himself guarantees our eternal permanence as members of His Forever Family. No one is able to cancel our adoption. John 10:29, “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”

Father, thank You that we are eternally safe and secure in Your hands. It is not because of our ability to hold on to You, but because of Your unshakable grip on us. May we rest in the assurance of Your love and faithfulness.

INSIGHT

The Incredible Love of the Father

The apostle John writes, 1 John 3:1 “Consider the incredible love that the Father has shown us in allowing us to be called ‘children of God,’ and that is not just what we are called, but what we are” (Phillips translation).

Our heavenly Father calls us His children, and that is exactly who we are! When we begin to understand how deeply our heavenly Father loves each of us, something extraordinary happens. God is love, and when we place our trust in Him, we start to experience a profound spirit-to-spirit connection with Him. Consequently, we begin to live in love, and His love dwells within us. Over time, this incredible experience continues to deepen.

From Fear to Confidence: The Journey of Love

Many of us may initially approach God with fear or uncertainty, often influenced by our experiences and family dynamics. However, this fear has no basis in the Scriptures. As we come to understand and experience the love of the Father, our learned fear and trepidation gradually fade away.

Eventually, we reach a point where we no longer fear the idea of going home to be with our Father. As His love matures within us, fear is cast out. This is the natural progression for every child of the King. The more we grow in God’s love, the less we fear. The degree to which we feel fear indicates our level of immaturity in faith.

Perfect Love Expels Fear

The apostle John makes this magnificent truth abundantly clear in 1 John 4:16-18: “We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. As we live in God, our love matures. Therefore, we will not be afraid on the day of judgment; instead, we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is due to fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.” 

Love and fear cannot coexist. Perfect love drives out fear, as Daniel Akin explains, “This phrase is a powerful metaphor, suggesting that fear is cast out, turned out-of-doors, by the perfection of God’s love.” In modern terms, we might say, “Love runs off fear; it chases it away.”

When we fear the Father, we prevent ourselves from fully experiencing His love. However, when we open our hearts to receive His love, fear is wonderfully transformed into confidence. This is the essence of living in God’s perfect love.

Shining as Children of God

As children of God, we are called to live in a way that reflects His love and light in a dark and broken world. This calling is not passive; it requires us to live with integrity and purpose.

The Apostle Paul advised in Philippians 2:14-16, “Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life.”

As we live as children of the King, we illuminate a world that needs His love and truth. By holding steadfastly to His Word and embracing His love, we become beacons of hope and transformation.

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© Dr. H 2025