Learning to Look Like My Father

Week 3: Friday

Today’s Scripture

Ephesians 5:1

This Week’s Memory Verse

“…who (God) comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:4 NIV

Psalm

Psalm 30:11 NIV

“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,”

Proverbs

Proverbs 11:25 NIV

“A generous person will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”

Today’s Thought

Children often pick up the expressions, habits, and attitudes of their parents. Paul uses that familiar picture when he urges believers to imitate God as dearly loved children. Notice the order: we are loved before we are told to imitate. We are not trying to become God’s children through better behavior; we are learning to live like the Father who has welcomed us. This raises a personal question for me, and maybe for you as well: Do my words, reactions, and priorities help people recognize His character? Becoming more like Jesus may begin with an ordinary moment when I choose patience instead of irritation or kindness instead of criticism.

Pray

Heavenly Father, thank you for calling me your child. Help me reflect your patience, kindness, and mercy in the ordinary moments of today. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN.

Today’s Mercy Step

Choose one relationship where your response could better reflect God’s character. Practice one intentional act of patience or kindness. Don’t be surprised if it creates a little bit of change in you…a change that resembles the character of Christ.

Following Jesus by loving the people right in front of us…or next door,

Pastor Mark