“But to all who did receive, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12-13

It is possible to convince ourselves that we do not need to be loved, to be chosen, to be cared for. It is a lie. This lie is fueled by the illusion of our achievement and the illusion of our domination of the forces of nature. But like all illusions they are ultimately confronted with death.

John was convinced that what God did through Jesus at the Cross actually breathed life into people who would receive Jesus Christ as Lord. Not an illusion. But an actual reality giving birth to people as children of God, with the rights and responsibilities of children of God. All accomplished by His will.

Not by force. We do not become lovable by our own force. We are lovable by God’s will.

The Gospel brings us into the joy of new birth by God’s grace.