How do you know that you are a Christian?

In the hit romantic comedy My Big Fat Greek Wedding, the frumpy and 'unsuccessful' Toula Portokalos (Nia Vardalos) falls in love with the very attractive Ian Miller (John Corbett), who to her surprise feels the same way. In a stunning scene on the Toronto Harbourfront bridge Toula sceptically questions Ian's interest in her, a 'Greek girl with side-burns since the age of four'. Trying to convince her of his feelings towards her he rolls of a list of her interesting characteristics, among them calling her 'beautiful'. Astonished Toula interrupts him - 'Did you just say I'm beautiful?', at which point Ian leans over and kisses her.

This for me is a fitting illustration of the wonder and astonishment a Christian should feel towards God. If you truly understand how sinful and loved you are at once - then I believe you are starting to 'get' Christianity. We are utterly unacceptable to God - arrogantly thinking that we can oust the King of the universe, never stopping to contemplate ways we could be the better god of our own existence. But God, in his great, astonishing, undeserving love for us not only accepts us but adopts as his own, giving believers all the honour and privileges of a child of God. Seeing this - having a real sense of amazement for undeserved grace - is what marks a true believer in Christ... and begins to change him or her.

Bible
1 John 3:1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God;

Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you that you chose to love me and to redeem me. I am amazed and astonished that you should love me. Please continue to help me see who I am in your eyes - an accepted, adopted and loved child of God. Amen