Beloved Children Who Imitate

Begin your time by reading today's passage slowly twice. Then consider this: The Christian life begins with identity, not activity. The text doesn't start with "do this" but with "be this." You are God's beloved child. The Greek word agapētos(beloved) speaks of being dearly loved, cherished, the object of divine affection. This isn't based on your performance but on God's gracious choice. Because you are beloved, you imitate your Father.

Think about children you've observed. They naturally mirror their parents' speech patterns, mannerisms, and values. Nobody has to force this. It flows from relationship. That's the kind of imitation Scripture describes. You're not trying to earn sonship through good behavior. You're expressing the family resemblance that already exists.

The pattern for this imitation is Christ's sacrificial love. "Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us." This isn't abstract or sentimental love. This is love that costs everything. Christ didn't just feel affection for you. He bled for you. He died for you. He rose for you. His love was active, costly, substitutionary.

Now ask yourself: How does knowing you're God's beloved child change your motivation for obedience? Where in your life are you trying to earn God's love rather than living out of the security of already being loved?