MONDAY

1 John 3:1

What is it that you are seeing today that helps shape the experience of your day and define who you are? There are so many things to see. We have a world that is in turmoil in many places, and a great deal of uncertainty regarding what will happen and whether those in positions of power will act in ways that are hurtful and destructive. Perhaps we see people who have disappointed us in some way, or others from whom we draw encouragement and hope. Perhaps we see those whom we have disappointed. What we turn our attention to, and how the things we dwell upon influence and shape us, are significant. As we begin a new week, today’s passage invites us to take a long, lingering look at a powerful reality that can shape us in profound ways. As you take a few moments to ponder and perhaps follow the invitation of this passage, consider the following:

• What are we invited to see, gaze upon, and allow to absorb our attention?

• Ponder for a moment the implications of the word “lavish” that is used in this passage. What does that imply about the way God regards us?

• If you are a parent, reflect on those first moments when your children were born, the impact that had on you, and how that changed you as you think about how God feels about us. If you aren’t a parent, think about what it means to be a beloved child in a loving family in a similar way. What surfaces for you as you think about this?

• To what extent are you able to personally and confidently claim the phrase, “And that is what we are!”? Why are you able to do so, or what prevents you from doing so?

• What else are you sensing as you reflect on this passage?

Take a few moments to respond to God in prayer.