Family Resemblance

by Ami Hendrickson

But speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, Christ.

Ephesians 4:15

An old friend recently visited. She lives in another state and we don’t see each often very often.

When she arrived at the front door, my fifteen-year-old daughter greeted her. “At first, I thought she was you,” my friend confessed. “She looks exactly like you did in school.”

For the record, I don’t think my daughter looks “exactly” like I do. When I look at her, I see her father more than I see myself. Still, there is no doubt she resembles both of us. She can’t help it. It’s literally in her DNA.

The family resemblance doesn’t end with our earthly parents. Our Heavenly Father created us in His image (Genesis 1:27). From the beginning of time, He made us part of His family.

When sin entered into the world, it warped and mutated what had once been perfect. But God isn’t willing that any of His children should perish (2 Peter 3:9). He put a plan in motion which culminated with Jesus paying the price for our sins.

Now, when we accept Jesus’ sacrifice, turning our backs on sin and turning our hearts toward God, we grow closer to the ideal God has in mind for us.

God is eager for the whole world to see His family resemblance in you!

Pray

Dear Heavenly Father,
Please help me learn to love as You do.
Please bless me as I grow in Christ, so I may resemble Him more with each passing day.
In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.