The Children Abide Forever

There are so many people who still think they have to earn their place with God. Some live with quiet shame, feeling like they need to hide every time they mess up. Others stay at a distance entirely—not because they don’t want God, but because they’ve been told, or made to feel, like they could never measure up.

But the whole point isn’t about measuring up. We were never called to be religious. The Father isn’t asking us to prove ourselves, but to receive what He’s already made available. We were called to be sons and daughters—and children don’t get kicked out when they fall short.

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A Personal Story

I remember a time when I did something horrible. It was one of those moments where I felt like I had disqualified myself from love, respect, and relationship. I was ashamed, afraid, and unsure of how anyone could still see me the same.

But you know what? My mom didn’t stop being my mom. She was still there. Still loving me. Still nurturing me. Still supporting me. She didn’t let what I did change who I was to her.

That taught me something I now see in the heart of God.

Jesus said in Matthew 7:11:

“If you then know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him?”

If human parents can still love, give, and care in our worst moments… how much more will our perfect Father in heaven respond with compassion, restoration, and mercy?

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Paul's Revelation

Even Paul, with all his revelation, power, and calling, admitted he struggled with something that he described as “a thorn in the flesh.” And instead of removing it, God responded with these words:

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Paul learned that weakness wasn’t a barrier—it was an invitation. Not to self-condemnation, but to deeper revelation. He didn’t hide from God—he leaned in. Because the more he realized his need, the more he encountered God's grace.

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The Core Revelation

Here’s what changed everything for me: I began to see myself a son, as a child of God. And that’s different.

John 1:12 says:

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.”

That word "right" comes from the Greek word exousia, which means authority, permission, or legal standing. It’s not just a vague privilege—it’s a divinely granted right, like being given official adoption papers from the King of the universe. This is a permanent, powerful identity we step into by faith.

We’re not adopted by behavior. We’re adopted by belief. And Jesus Himself said in John 8:35:

“...but a son remains forever.”

Sons don’t get unadopted. Daughters don’t get evicted. The children abide forever.

This isn’t about performance. It’s about position. You’re not trying to climb your way back into God’s good graces—you’re already seated at His table because of Christ.

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Closing Thoughts

So if you’ve messed up—come near. If you’ve stayed away because you didn’t think you were worthy—come home. You don’t need to hide. You are not disqualified.

God invited everyone—no matter their past. “So those servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, the good and the bad alike, and the wedding hall was filled with guests.” (Matthew 22:10)

You are not what religion tried to make you. You’re not who shame says you are.

You are who the Father says you are.

You’re His child. And the children abide forever.