A FAMILY RESEMBLANCE

Luke 6:36

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Whether through adoption or by birth, a child will generally strive to be like others in the family. The values, the humor, the special means of communication will all play a part in feeling connected to the family. We were made for relationship and we generally desire to be accepted in the family.

When God adopts us into His family, we will want to be more and more like God as others seek to see the resemblance of our connection to this family. This resemblance comes more through time spent together in relationship than simply desiring it.

We become like that to which we devote ourselves. When we commit to spending our time and treasures on relationships with others, we will become like them. We are influenced in this way because of our need for acceptance and belonging.

First, rejoice in this wonderful characteristic of our creator God. He is merciful! Second, desire to be like God in this way and pray for a greater capacity for mercy. Third, wait with God and, as you spend time with Him, you will become more like Christ.