You Are a Child of God: What That Really Means

Hey friend,

Have you ever stopped and really thought about what it means to be a child of God? I mean, sure, it sounds amazing—but how often do we let that truth really sink into our hearts and shape how we see ourselves?

I’ll be honest with you. There was a time I struggled to believe that I could be loved by God the way the Bible describes. Growing up, I often felt like I had to earn love—like I had to be good enough, work hard enough, or prove myself just to feel accepted. But then something happened that shifted my perspective.

A few years ago, I visited my best friend, who had just adopted a little girl. When I walked into their home, I saw this beautiful picture on their fridge. It was a crayon drawing of their family, stick figures and all, with the words, “My forever family.” The little girl, who’d had a hard start in life, ran up and hugged her mom, beaming with pride.

That simple moment hit me like a ton of bricks. Here was this child, who hadn’t “earned” her spot in the family—she didn’t have to. She was loved, chosen, and fully theirs just because they said so. And friend, that’s exactly how God sees you.

Chosen, Loved, and Fully His

Let’s take a look at 1 John 3:1:

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”

When you said yes to Jesus, God didn’t just save you and leave you to figure things out. He brought you into His family. You’re not just a name on a list or someone He tolerates. No, you are His beloved child. Think about that for a second—you’re part of His “forever family.”

But What About When We Mess Up?

I know what you’re thinking. “That’s great, but what about all the times I fail?” Here’s the thing: God’s love isn’t conditional. Just like my friend didn’t take down that crayon drawing the first time her daughter disobeyed, God doesn’t revoke your “child of God” status when you fall short.

Psalm 103:13 says:

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.”

Our Father’s love is patient, forgiving, and unshakable. He’s not keeping a tally of your failures; He’s holding out His hand to help you grow.

Living as a Child of God

So what does it look like to live out this identity? For starters, it means we can walk in confidence. You don’t have to strive to earn His love—you already have it. That gives you the freedom to love others, to take risks, and to trust Him with every detail of your life.

And on the hard days? Remember who your Father is. He’s the Creator of the universe, the One who spoke stars into existence. If He’s got the galaxies under control, He can handle your worries too.

Final Thought

Friend, you are not defined by your mistakes, your past, or the labels the world throws at you. You are defined by who God says you are: His child. So today, let’s embrace that truth. Write it on a sticky note, put it on your mirror, and remind yourself as often as you need to.

You are loved, chosen, and part of God’s forever family. And that, my friend, changes everything.