1st John 3:4-10 WHOSE CHILD? There are a number of ways in which we can identify the family of an individual as to who are their parents. Physical characteristics, the tone of voice, body language, their interests and their approach to life all display the nature a person has received by virtue of their birth. John returns to the theme of the new birth and the new nature after having addressed the conduct of children of God. One obvious evidence of sonship is righteousness. God's children are members of His family [1Jn.3:1; Ep.3:15]. Collectively God's family is called "the people of God" [1Pe.2:9-10]. As those who have been born into His family, the people of God are citizens of heaven who are living here on earth [Phil.3:20] and are meant to function together with the same interests even though we do not all live in one place [1Co.12:127].
Wherever God people are found on earth there are similar characteristics. Unity in a local church should be a visible manifestation [1Co.1:10] of life in God's family and division should not be a normal feature. It does happen, but most often because there are whose who are not children of God who come among His people claiming to be family members. Not all children in a family are alike. Diversity [Ep.4:7] is a positive feature in a family. Each contributes a personal strength and giftedness to the benefit of all family members. That interdependence [Ep.4:11-12] is a positive characteristic in which all are able to function together because each of us needs the others. As the people of God, we worship as a kingdom of priests [1Pe.2:4-5], not as clergy and laity. Each person either silently or audibly expresses their adoration of our Lord to the blessing of the whole. That affectionate relationship [Ep.5:23-27] is demonstrated in the same way as any family relationship.