1 John 3:1-7 is one of today’s Lectionary readings, it offers a robust reminder of God’s love for us and how it ought to shape our conduct. It’s like a warm hug from an affirming friend, reassuring us about the incredible love that God has for us and how it should shape our lives.

John starts by emphatically asserting our status as beloved of God. It’s not a mere nicety, it’s a foundational truth. He addresses us as ‘beloved’, underlining our significance and value in the eyes of God.

Moving on, John delineates our familial relationship with God. We’re not merely acquaintances; we’re reckoned as God’s offspring. This family tie positions us within a privileged circle, under the care and provision of our heavenly parent.

However, there’s a sobering aspect to this family relationship. Despite our esteemed status, our outward appearance might not always reflect it. We’re a work in progress, subject to ongoing refinement.

The crux of John’s message lies in the behavioural implications of our divine lineage. Our conduct should be congruent with our heavenly pedigree. In other words, we’re expected to be Christlike, a reminder to uphold the family name with dignity.

John doesn’t suggest perfection; he acknowledges the inevitability of human fallibility. Nonetheless, he exhorts us to strive towards a life that honours God and exemplifies love towards others.

This passage serves as a stern, yet nurturing admonition; emphasising God’s love for us, our privileged status as his offspring, and the consequent moral imperative to conduct ourselves accordingly.