The
Aran Islands, off the west coast of Ireland, are known for their beautiful
sweaters. Patterns are woven into the fabric using sheep’s wool to craft the
garments. Many of them relate to the culture and folklore of these small
islands, but some are more personal. Each family on the islands has its own
trademark pattern, which is so distinctive that if a fisherman were to drown it
is said that he could be identified simply by examining his sweater for the
family trademark.
In
John’s first letter, the apostle describes things that are to be trademarks of
those who are members of God’s family. In 1 John 3:1, John affirms that we are
indeed part of God’s family by saying, “Behold what manner of love the Father
has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” He then
describes the trademarks of those who are the children of God, including,
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves
is born of God and knows God” (4:7).
Because “love is of God,” the chief way to reflect the heart of the Father is by displaying the love that characterizes Him. May we allow His love to reach out to others through us—for love is one of our family trademarks.
