Be Like God

Posted by Karah

Pause

Spend a few minutes reviewing what you’ve learned about God’s character this week. Thank Him for being a God who loves to show compassion to His children!

Do people often comment that you’re “just like” one of your parents or another family member? Think about physical similarities, attitudes, or actions you often display that resemble that family member. Jot down a few of the things that come to mind.

Read Ephesians 4:32–5:1. As God’s children, our character should reflect that of our Father. Underline the character traits that should be on display in believers’ lives.

“And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ. Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children.”

—Ephesians 4:32-5:1

Ask yourself:

• Believers should be kind and compassionate to others because that is the example God has shown us. Does that describe you? Why or why not?

• We are to forgive others because God has forgiven us in Christ—who paid a great price so that our sin could be forgiven. Who in your life do you find it hard to forgive? Why?

Respond

• Look over the list of people you find it hard to forgive. Pray over the names one by one, asking God to help you to become more like Him and forgive so that the people on your list can come to know more about Him and His character through your obedience.

• Mull over this question: If the only way people had to learn about God’s compassion was your life, what would your life teach them? Would the way you live accurately represent God’s character?

Behind the Story

Chapters 4 and 5 of Ephesians were written to help believers understand how their lives should be different after salvation. In Ephesians 4:17-24, Paul described putting off the old self and putting on the new. Then, in Ephesians 4:25-31, he outlined particular sins that should no longer characterize a believer’s life. Ephesians 4:32–5:1 should be read in conjunction with these verses. If we are in Christ, then we should begin to exhibit His characteristics.

The Point

As dearly loved children of God, we should want to be like Him, showing compassion and extending forgiveness to others.

Posted in Boys, Devotions | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest Alumni and Friends, Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission., Weekly Devotions