"See what kind of love the Father has given to us." Think about who we were and what we feel ourselves to still be with sin's grip so strong, and you'll marvel at our adoption. Yet, we're called "the sons of God." What a remarkable relationship that is, and what privileges it brings! A son expects care and love from his father, and likewise, the father pours out love for the son. We have all this and more through Christ.

If we suffer alongside our elder brother, we take it as an honor. "The world doesn't know us because it didn't know him." We're content to be unknown with him in his suffering because we'll share in his glory. "Beloved, now we are the sons of God." That's easy to read, but hard to truly feel. How is your heart this morning?

Are you overwhelmed with sorrow? Do you feel corruption rising within and grace like a dim flicker close to being snuffed out? Is your faith almost failing? Fear not, for it's not about your graces or feelings. You live simply by faith in Christ.

Even with everything against us now—in the depths of sorrow, no matter where we are—now, as much in the valley as on the mountain, "Beloved, now we are the sons of God." You might say, "Look at me! My graces are dim; my righteousness lacks glory." But read on. "It doesn't yet appear what we shall be: but we know that when he appears, we shall be like him." The Holy Spirit will cleanse our minds, and divine power will renew our bodies; then we shall see him as he is.