September 27, 2021

Rhonda Patterson
“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” 
1 John 3:1

It’s so easy in today’s environment, distracted by all of the noise…the fear and anger…the depravity, to forget what the cross of Jesus did for us. We became children of God and citizens of heaven! Jesus even told us the world would hate us because it hated him first (John 15:18-19)! We should not be surprised. But when we lose sight of our position, we’re easily offended, deceived, and drawn into the fray of “my right to be right!” Tragically, we can fail to reflect the love that our Father lavished upon us as Jesus hung on the cross, saying, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” And sadly, when this happens, we look much like the lost world, angry, fearful, and loud…so…how could they know us?

Oh, Father, help us to remember that it was your mercy, grace, love, and kindness that drew us to repentance and salvation…and that Jesus laid down His rights all the way to the cross. Strengthen us and empower us to be kind and to love well both those who are our brothers and sisters in Christ and those who are lost, that all may be drawn to You in Jesus’ name, amen.