There is no other relationship like it. The word “Behold” here means much more than just “Look at it”. More like “Hey! Look at this, read it well, highlight it and think about it”. It is through God’s love that we are saved, forgiven, and ‘Born again’ into His family. Romans 5 v8 says that “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us”. Verse 12 says “…as many as received Him (i.e. Christ) to them he gave the right to become children of God”. How amazing! John gets so excited about it he stops us in our tracks with those powerful words “Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us that we should be called the children of God”. Then, to make sure we get it he adds, “…and that is what we are!”
Yes, praise Him! “That is what we are”, and as children of God, we are people with a difference. The difference is that as children of God we have a special relationship with Him; a father and child relationship. We also have a special relationship with each other that is marked by love; a brother and sister relationship.
It is in John’s Gospel we find that well-known verse “For God so loved the world that he gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” John 3 v16. John also records the words of Jesus when He said “If you love one another, everybody will know that you are my disciples” John 13 v35.
Be blessed and encouraged that you are not ‘one’ alone; there is ‘another’; your Father in heaven most certainly; but also His family right here; a family in which we can ‘serve one another’ Galatians 5 v14, ‘Be devoted to one another’ Romans 12 v10, ‘Encourage (comfort) one another’ 1 Thessalonians 5 v11, Forgive one another’ Ephesians 4 v32, ‘Pray for one another’ James 5 v16, and, by His grace, ‘Bear one another’s burdens’ Galatians 6 v2.
It is right here, in our day-to-day fellowship life, that the eternal, life-giving, supporting, and compassionate love of the Father, and our special relationship to Him and to one another is expressed.
Be blessed
Eddie.