He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

John 1: 10-13

Several months ago I sat having a cup of coffee with a friend named John. John has cycled in and out of homelessness, addiction and trauma for close to three decades of his 36 year-old life. In fact, a review of John’s life will show you that at no point from when he was age 6 to 36 did John have anything but abuse, trauma, addiction and brokenness in his life. We were born into different families and experienced much different lives.

After hearing his story, I asked John “what is the deepest desire of his heart.” He responded, “That my family knows I am trying.” It was crazy to me to hear that if John could have anything in the world, it would be that his family would know he wanted a different life. His desire was to be known and loved.

In John 1:10-13, Scripture promises us that no matter who we are, no matter what we have done, we are known and loved by God adopted into his family. No effort is required. The only criteria is that we also love God. John and I were born into different families, lived different lives and yet we are part of the same kingdom family as children of God. All that is required is that we love God. Loving God for me means loving John.

This season as you sit around the holiday dinner table with family, I want to encourage you think about expanding it to include the Johns of the world who want nothing more than to be known and loved. God loves John in heaven but has commanded his disciples on earth to reflect that love on his behalf. I pray that is the deepest desire of your heart.