1 John 3:1
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
King James Version
World English Bible (WEB)
See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! For this cause the world doesn’t know us, because it didn’t know him.
American Standard Version (ASV)
Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are. For this cause the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
What this verse means
John marvels out loud: we are actually called children of God.
A short prayer
Father, I am Your child — let that identity sink deeper than my doubts today.
Read in context — 1 John 3
1Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
2Beloved, 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.
3And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
Related verses
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.”Matthew 5:14
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”Matthew 5:16
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”Philippians 4:13
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”Romans 10:17
“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”1 Corinthians 15:57