Looking Like Our Father

August 19, 2025 by Erin Long

Ephesians 5 starts with this: “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us” (Ephesians 5:1-2). That’s a big call, to imitate God! But Paul makes sure we know the foundation first: we’re His dearly loved children. That’s where it all begins.

Think about kids and their parents. Children copy everything- the way their mom laughs, the way their dad holds a cup, even the words they say (sometimes at the most embarrassing moments!). Why? Because they’re close. They belong. That’s how it’s supposed to be with us and God. When we spend time with Him, when we know we’re His, we naturally start to reflect Him in how we live.

Paul gives some real-life examples in this chapter. He talks about letting go of bitterness, anger, and harsh words, and instead choosing kindness, forgiveness, and gratitude (Ephesians 5:3-4, 19-20). He paints this picture of living as “children of light”: people who bring warmth, clarity, and goodness into dark spaces (Ephesians 5:8-9).

What does that look like day-to-day? It might mean choosing to forgive your spouse after a hard conversation instead of holding on to frustration. Or speaking encouragement over a friend who’s struggling instead of just commiserating with their pain. Or filling your car ride with worship instead of complaints. These aren’t big, dramatic acts… but they’re ways we imitate our Father, little reflections of His heart.

And the amazing part is that we’re not asked to do this on our own. Paul reminds us in verse 18 to be “filled with the Spirit.” God actually gives us His Spirit to help us live this out. That means imitating Him isn’t about striving harder or trying to be “good enough.” It’s about staying close to Him, letting His Spirit shape us, and remembering we already belong.

So as we read Ephesians 5, the invitation is simple but powerful: stay near to your Father, let His love sink deep, and watch how it naturally overflows in your life.

Questions to reflect on this week:

1. What does it mean to you personally that you are God’s dearly loved child? How could that truth shift the way you live today?

2. Where in your life do you sense God inviting you to “walk in love” (maybe in forgiveness, gratitude, or encouragement)?

3. How can you bring light into a dark place this week- whether at work, at home, or in a relationship?

4. What are some practical ways you can stay “filled with the Spirit” each day so you can reflect God more naturally?