‘Define yourself radically as one beloved by God. This is the true self. Every other identity is illusion.’ – Brennan Manning

We live in a world of identity crisis, defined by what we do, where we’re from, our education, relationships, goals, talents and skills. Christ followers are not immune, but before any secondary identifiers, we have a primary identity: loved by God.

When we see ourselves accurately as one loved by God, we begin to see others accurately as well. To be loved much is to love much (Lk 7:47).

What I pray our time in 1 John does for each of us is help to reframe our understanding of who we are, and why we serve. We serve as those who are loved, we serve from love, we serve because of Love.

‘Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.’ Colossians 3:14 [CSB]

From love,