By this the love of God was displayed in us, in that God has sent His [One and] only begotten Son

1 John 4:9 (Amplified Bible)

By this the love of God was displayed in us, in that God has sent His [One and] only begotten Son [the One who is truly unique, the only One of His kind] into the world so that we might live through Him.

The word "begotten" here means that Jesus is God's unique Son. We are all adopted into God's family when we have a personal, saving relationship with Jesus, but there is only one who is the unique Son of God.

It doesn't mean that Jesus was created by the Father, but it speaks of His position in creation. He is Almighty God. All things have been created through Him and for Him. His mighty power holds all things together. It is only through faith in Jesus Christ that we can find salvation and forgiveness.

Here, we see that God's love for us is defined. God's love was displayed and manifested in the coming of Jesus. None of us deserve God's grace, salvation, forgiveness, or love. What we deserve is God's judgment. All of us have sinned and fallen short of God's glory. But God chooses to love us. God chooses to forgive us and no longer hold our sins against us.

We are called to live through Him. We are not called to live by our own strength and wisdom. We are called to live through Christ, relying on His grace and following the leading of the Holy Spirit. We may struggle with temptation in our lives, but God will always give us a way out. He always gives us a path to victory and freedom. Ultimately, that path can be found in Him, in abiding in Him, and in growing in Him.

Those the Father loves, He prunes. What areas in your life is God pruning? Is there anything that hinders His work in your life? When was the last time you truly set aside time to spend in His word and allow Him to reveal His heart to you? The world is a busy place and filled with many distractions. But when our time with Him is the priority, we will grow into the son or daughter He has called us to be.

Prayer

Father thank you for your love for me. Thank you for your patience. Thank you for your grace. Thank you that you are willing to forgive every time I fail and fall short. Help me to learn. Help me to grow. Help me to truly love as you love. Fill my life with your presence and your power. Help me to understand to walk in the authority I have through Jesus. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen!