A Striking Family Resemblance – September 16, 2026
Read: Ephesians 4:29–5:2
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 4:32; 5:1-2
A Striking Family Resemblance
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Do you resemble anyone in your family? Brothers and sisters often resemble each other. A child might have his dad’s nose, his mom’s smile, his grandpa’s laugh, or even the same way of walking. Sometimes we sound or act just like our parents. People might say, “You can certainly tell whose child you are!”
Can people tell whose child you are by the way you live?
Honestly, because of sin, we don’t always resemble our heavenly Father. Our words and actions are often cruel, selfish, and unforgiving. But in our baptism, God washed away our sins and adopted us as his sons and daughters. Through faith in Jesus, we are children of God, fully forgiven and made heirs of heaven.
But can people see the family resemblance? Can they tell whose children we are by the way we act? Young children often copy everything: the way their parents talk on the phone, the way they fold their arms, the way they cook or clean or cheer during a football game. In today’s reading, Paul tells us to follow the example of God our Father as his dearly loved children.
God wants us to speak as he speaks and act as he acts. Just as he is kind and compassionate to us, just as he loves and forgives us—so he wants us to love and forgive those around us. We imitate him because, through Jesus, we already are his children. That is who God made us to be in our baptism. His forgiveness changes us; it leads us to be like him. Dearly loved children show love. Forgiven children become forgivers.
So, follow your Father. Imitate him and let your family resemblance show. When people see kindness, compassion, and forgiveness in you, they are catching a glimpse of your heavenly Father. May they look at you and say, “I can certainly tell whose child you are!”
Prayer:
Dear Father in heaven, thank you for washing, forgiving, and adopting me in my baptism. Help me to resemble you in everything I say and do. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- In what ways do you look or act like your mom or dad?
- In what ways can you look or act like God?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- What blessings did God give you in Baptism?
- How can your kindness or forgiveness help someone see your heavenly Father in you?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- What does this statement mean: “My baptism is not just something that happened to me; it tells me who I am”?
- Sometimes young people feel unfair pressure to grow up and be just like their parents. Is it unfair for God to expect his children to act like him? Explain.
