True Identity

<p>As my friend reviewed the pictures I took of her, she pointed out the physical characteristics she saw as imperfections. I asked her to look closer. &ldquo;I see a beautiful and beloved daughter of the Almighty King of Kings,&rdquo; I said. &ldquo;I see a compassionate lover of God and others, whose genuine kindness, generosity, and faithfulness have made a difference in so many lives.&rdquo; When I noticed the tears brimming her eyes, I said, &ldquo;I think you need a tiara!&rdquo; Later that afternoon, we picked out the perfect crown for my friend so she would never forget her true identity.</p> <p>When we come to know the Lord personally, He crowns us with love and calls us His children (1 John 2:29-3:1). He gives us the power to persevere in faith so that &ldquo;we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming&rdquo; (1 John 2:28). Though He accepts us as we are, His love purifies us and transforms us into His likeness (vv. 2-3). He helps us recognize our need for Him and repent as we rejoice in the power to turn away from sin (vv. 4-9). We can live in faithful obedience and love (v. 10), with His truth hidden in our hearts and His Spirit present in our lives.</p> <p>My friend didn&rsquo;t really <em>need</em> a tiara or any other trinket that day. But we both needed the reminder of our worth as God&rsquo;s beloved children.</p>