1Jo 3:2
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

Maybe we are not like Him because we do not see Him as He truly is. According to this verse, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. What does this mean?

It makes me think of two things.

1) As we have discussions in the Christian Women With Depression Facebook group, I notice the recurring theme of us reading God’s Word (especially the Old Testament) and being confused about how God truly is. His actions and words in the Bible, as well as what He allows and does not allow to happen in the present and past, seem not to always mesh with the kind, loving and forgiving Person we find in the incarnation of Jesus. We have based our ideas of who He is based on our often confused and conflicting information we have about God. We can’t quite reconcile the different aspects of God’s personality, and it can make us doubt God’s goodness and loving-kindness.

Does He love us, or is He annoyed with us? Does He forgive us and remember our sins no more, or do our children suffer for our mistakes? Is He patient with us and long-suffering, or is He frustrated and quick-tempered with us, maybe even vindictive and vengeful? Whatever we think He is, whether we get it right or wrong, will affect how we interact with Him and others.

2) If children grow up repeating the behaviors modelled in front of them by their parents, then is it possible that we will also repeat the perceived behaviors of our heavenly Father? If we think He is grudging and grumpy and annoyed by us, will we be grudging and grumpy and annoyed with others? If we think He is kind, loving and just, will we attempt to express those characteristics as well? If we are shown mercy, will we show mercy? If we feel we are always being judged for our lack of perfection, will we judge others by that same standard?

If either of these things are true, that would explain how the way we see God affects whether or not we are becoming truly like Him. It provides another reason to spend time alone in His presence, and in His Word, and experiencing the love of Christ through fellowship. The more we know about Him, the more we will become like Him, so when we see Him as He truly us, we will act accordingly.

What do you think?

Penny Haynes
http://ChristianWomenWithDepression.com