What is a child of God? We find the answer in both Joel 12:12 and 13 and 2 Tim. 1:7. "Yet even now (in the midst of national disaster) the Lord says, "Return to me with all your heart. For He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love".. "For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love, and of self-discipline."
The prophet Joel told the people of the nation, that God calls them back to Himself and is gracious, merciful, slow to anger, of steadfast love, and relents from punishing. These very traits are what God wants from those who would follow Him. Jesus made clear that we are Children of God and since He is our parent, our father and teacher, He will teach us how we are to be and do to and for others. Paul said that God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but of power to be victorious in our lives, sharing love and self-discipline. Only through God's abundant grace can the power of the Holy Spirit change us from being self-centered and vindictive, to being people of God with His characteristics.
Lord, we thank you that you have called us to be your children and we ask that you continue teaching us that we might have more and more of your characteristics. Perhaps, then, we are more likely to live for others, with the power to share Your love with all of the world.
Jo INMN
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