All Who Have this Hope Purify Themselves, As He Is Pure

This meditation is based on a passage for May 6, 2011 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: 1 John 3:1-10

Reflection and Question: This passage was etched on my heart when I was required to memorize it in my youth, and I can see clearly now how these verses have guided me ever since. “Beloved, now are we the children of God,” with no ifs, ands or buts added to it. The logic is simple: “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies themselves, just as He is pure,” applies to all believers, including those who are sometimes cast out like our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender sisters and brothers. In Christ, this testimony arising from the lives of all Christians proves their hope and their purity. How do you know you are a child of God?

Prayer: Most loving God, whom Jesus called Father, we pause to absorb the love You have bestowed upon us by adopting us as Your children. Show us the way to do what is right and to love our brothers and sisters that Your seed may abide in us. Amen.