1 John 2:28-29 ESV And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him.

CONFIDENCE – Only those who abide in the Father understand the joy and blessing this confidence in knowing him brings to our lives. Those who struggle with feelings of inadequacy, insecurity, and fear know that these are not only debilitating in our service to Christ, but also are inhibiting in our relationship with God. Living in confidence allows us to enter fully and completely into the relationship, not holding back any area, any corner, any hidden crevice. Children long to please their parents and love to hear words of praise from them. They also know the sadness that comes when they disappoint their parents. When we seek confidence in a relationship, we focus on what will please and avoid what would disappoint.

UNASHAMED – When I was growing up in Arkansas, my dad impressed on me the importance of not letting the family down or bringing shame on the family name. Getting caught doing something shameful that would give our family a bad name was a strong deterrent from youthful indiscretions. I don’t want to let my heavenly Father down either. I want my life to be a testimony of his grace and love. I want to hear, “Well done!”

RIGHTEOUSNESS – We know God’s character. He has revealed that character in his Word. He is righteous. Because we know what he is like, we know how to please him. Imitation is not only the sincerest form of flattery, but it is also the way to assure that we please him, live in confidence, and greet him at his coming unashamed.