To Be Like Jesus

1 John 3:1 ESV

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.”

The Message paraphrased says it like this; “What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are. But that’s also why the world doesn’t recognize us or take us seriously, because it has no idea who he is or what He’s up to.”

So, how do we show the world who God is? Imitate God’s love and mercy on a daily basis. He is not about rules and regulations and guilt, that is the way the world sees Him. If we want people to take us seriously, we have to represent God for who He is.

He is a God of love and forgiveness. He is the God of second, third, and one million chances. He is the God of joy, courage, acceptance. He is a God who loves relationships, and a God that wants to give and not take.

I remember listening to a young man tell me why he did not believe or at least worship God. He said he did not want to live in guilt and condemnation. That is how he saw God. No matter what I said, I could not change his mind about God. So, I chose to live out my life and to be like God to him. He still has not turned to God, but he will someday.

Prayer:

Lord let my light shine, let me be a reflection of who You are. In Your name loving Father, Amen!