The Paternity Test; First John

May the mumbling commence!

Yesterday, we thought about adoption into God’s family.  We are God’s children…

But what happens when questions arise?  What is the paternity test?  Read a couple of verses from First John chapter three (the NIV translation):

This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother. 

This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. (Verses 10-11)

So, here is the paternity test:  Does the person do right..?  Then she or he is a child of God.  Does the person love other people..?  Then he or she is a child of God.

Think about this:  To love someone is to do right by them.  Let that thought sink in.  How can you love someone if you seek to wrong them?  My dear friends, it cannot be!

Though love does not always precede doing right, doing right is unsustainable without love.  The effort that it takes to do right will quickly wind down without the heart condition of love.  Love makes a pull to the righteous as the world goes ‘round. 

Unfortunately, we have all seen graphic evidence that the world will continue to spin even when heinous acts have marred us and our society.  So let’s mix in small acts of random kindness – random rightness.  Then let’s add love – the only thing that can make love and rightness sustainable in our human-stained condition.

Alas!  In this world filled with hatred and suspicion and ignorance, where will we find love?  The author of First John tells us in a number of places.  That will be the focus of tomorrow’s mumblings.

Whose child are you?  Are you the child of the devil or are you a child of God?  What signs and proofs can you offer to support your claim..?

Enough mumbling for now…

Peace Out