Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love. – Ephesians 5:1-2
If someone asks you to imitate a cat, you might meow and put up your hand like claws. But what if someone asks you to imitate God? How could you encapsulate all that He is in a single stereotypical depiction?
Forgiveness. It defines God’s nature in relation to humankind. Is it the first attribute that comes to your mind when you think of Him? For many, thinking about God produces guilt, due to their lack of holiness, which may then lead to fear, the type that circles back around into guilt. It is a vicious circle, and one of the most effective tools of the enemy to convince God’s children He does not love them when they are not great imitations of His righteous holiness.
It is not otherworldly holiness that will identify you as God’s child on Earth. Rather it is a heart of mercy and forgiveness towards others. “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them… but love your enemies, and do good, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for He is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:32-36).
Pray that the good news of God’s forgiveness to humanity through His Son Jesus Christ will be received around the world. Ask that God’s people who are serving in government will be great imitators of His grace in their places of work and worship reflecting His love, forgiveness, and mercy for all.
Today’s Verse: Ephesians 5:1-2
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Mark 1:16-20
16 Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
