I have three children, 2 boys and 1 girl.  My first two children are the spitting image of their father, looks and has a lot of his characteristics.  The last and third child looks like me and has a lot of my characteristics.  Anyone who knows me and my husband and sees our kids for the first time, immediately say which child looks like who and they never get it wrong.  When I say they are spitting image of us I mean they are the spitting image of us.  

Have you ever stopped to consider whether you resemble your heavenly Father? It’s an intriguing thought, isn’t it? As children of God, we’re called to reflect His image and character in our lives. So, let’s take a closer look at what it means to bear the likeness of our heavenly Father. 

First off, let’s explore some characteristics that we would display if we truly looked like God. One of the most fundamental traits is love. In 1 John 4:8, we’re told that “God is love,” and as His children, we’re called to love one another just as He has loved us (John 13:34). Love is patient, kind, and selfless – qualities that we should strive to embody in our interactions with others. 

Another characteristic is holiness. In 1 Peter 1:15-16, we’re urged to be holy because God is holy. This means living a life that is set apart for God’s purposes, free from sin and devoted to honoring Him in all that we do. As children of God, our lives should reflect His holiness and purity. 

Compassion is another trait that we would display if we looked like our heavenly Father. Throughout the Bible, we see God’s heart of compassion for the hurting, the broken, and the lost. In Matthew 9:36, Jesus was moved with compassion for the crowds because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Similarly, we’re called to show compassion to those in need, extending grace and mercy just as God has shown us. 

Other characteristics that we would exhibit include forgiveness, humility, patience, kindness, and faithfulness – all traits that reflect the nature of our heavenly Father. 

God indeed created us in His own image (Genesis 1:27), with the intention that we would reflect His likeness in the world. While we cannot attain the perfect holiness of God, we are called to strive each day to become more like Him, embodying His love, compassion, and righteousness.

In Romans 12:2, we’re encouraged not to conform to the pattern of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This transformation happens as we seek to align our thoughts, attitudes, and actions with God’s Word and His character.

Similarly, in Ephesians 4:22-24, we’re urged to put off our old self, which is corrupted by deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of our minds, putting on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Furthermore, in 1 Peter 2:9, we’re called a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that we may declare the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His wonderful light. This verse highlights our identity as children of God and emphasizes our call to live holy and set-apart lives that glorify Him.

In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus describes His followers as the light of the world and encourages us to let our light shine before others, so that they may see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven. This verse underscores the importance of living in a way that reflects God’s character and draws others to Him.

As we reflect on these Scriptures, let’s remember that our identity as children of God sets us apart from the world. We’re called to live differently – not conforming to the standards and values of the world but striving to be transformed into the likeness of Christ.

So, let’s embrace our identity as children of God and seek to reflect His image in every aspect of our lives. May our thoughts, words, and actions be a testimony to His love, grace, and holiness, drawing others closer to Him and bringing glory to His name.

Now, let’s take a moment to evaluate how we’re doing in reflecting these characteristics in our own lives. Do we consistently demonstrate love, holiness, compassion, and forgiveness in our interactions with others? Are we patient and kind, humble and faithful, like our heavenly Father? 

If we’re honest with ourselves, we may recognize areas where we fall short of resembling our heavenly Father. But here’s the good news – God gives us grace for our failures, and it’s never too late to change. In 2 Corinthians 3:18, we’re reminded that as we behold the glory of the Lord, we are being transformed into His image from one degree of glory to another. This transformation is a lifelong process, and God is patient and loving as He molds us into His likeness. 

So, let’s commit to growing more and more like our heavenly Father each day. Let’s seek His guidance and empowerment through prayer and His Word, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us and through us to reflect God’s image to the world around us. 

As we strive to look more like our heavenly Father, let’s remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” May our lives be a reflection of God’s love, grace, and glory, drawing others closer to Him as we walk in His likeness.