Lavished With Love
Scripture Reading — 1 John 3:1-3
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!
The word lavish presents a picture of extravagant abundance. It is almost too much, too generous and luxurious. Being lavish borders on being wasteful. But the Father has lavished his love on us. God’s love is even more than what a wonderful mother showers on her infant. God’s love and care are supplied all the time. God’s love is a constant bombardment of affection and care. We may be as oblivious as an infant to the presence of his love, but God still continues to pour his love into our lives.
God’s love flows into us deeply and redefines who we are at the very core of our soul. When we open our hearts to God’s love, we are transformed by it. We are remade, regenerated into children of God.
It is God who makes us his children, not us. We cannot earn that status. It is a gift of God’s great love. Because we are sinners, we don’t understand God’s love for us at first. We don’t even know we need him until we realize we are stuck in sin and cannot save ourselves. We become God’s children when we receive Jesus as our Savior (John 1:12).
Not one of us is worthy of God’s love. We cannot earn it. God just loves us. We would not be God’s children if he were not already deeply in love with us.
How amazing is that!
Father God, may we have the power to grasp how wide and deep and high and long is your love for us, expressed in all that Jesus has done for us, that we may be your children. In his name, Amen.
About the author — Rob Jansons
Rob Jansons is the pastor of New Hope Fellowship in Monroe, Washington, where he has served for almost twenty years. He and his wife, Sue, have been married since 1989 and have three daughters. Rob spends time each year in Calcutta, India, working with a Christian ministry to children living in slums. He enjoys hiking in the Pacific Northwest, camping with his family, reading, writing, and being a pastor.
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!