In 1 John 3:1 the apostle John writes, “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” It is because of the great love that God has for us that we have an opportunity to become children of God. This is an opportunity that many reject. After we become Christians, there are some things that are required of us if we wish to be identified as God’s children. We must “receive Him” and “believe in His name” (John 1:12); we must have faith (Galatians 3:26); and we must “practice righteousness” and “love our brother” (1 John 3:10). We must also be “led by the Spirit of God” (Romans 8:14). In John 8:31-47 Jesus makes the argument that you can tell who a person’s spiritual father is by the way that they act, “like father - like son”. The Jews claimed Abraham as their father, but Jesus points out that although they are descended from Abraham their spiritual father is really the devil. “You do the deeds of your father” (vs 41) and “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do.” (vs. 44). If we wish to be pleasing to our Father in heaven then we should, as much as possible, strive to be like Him. “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48).