Family Devotion: Week of October 20
John 15:12
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”
Have you ever met someone and instantly connected with them? They’re fun, interesting, and just seem to “get” you.
Or maybe you met someone and knew immediately they weren’t your cup of tea? The kind that you can’t pinpoint why, but they exhaust, frustrate, or confuse you.
Even if we share common personalities, we are a vastly different. Our upbringing, experiences, and even the location of where we live all play a part on how we think and operate.
Can you imagine if the people in the Bible were alike? God could have used an instruction manual, but instead He chose people’s unique experiences for us to learn how to go deeper in Him.
Moses was the meekest man on earth.
Paul was bold, and seemingly fearless.
Peter was fast thinking, quick to speak, and quick to action.
Martha had a servant’s heart.
Mary Magdalene was a giver.
Esther was submissive, but brave.
King Solomon was a deep thinker.
Though they were all different, they all used their unique giftings, abilities, and personalities to fulfill God’s will in a big way. The great thing about God is that He simply sees His kids who are desperately in need of Him. He didn’t need them to be perfect, but He did need them to fulfill their calling.
Genesis 1:27
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”
We were all created in the image of God. Some are creative like Him, some are methodical and detailed. Other people have a natural ability to reflect His strength and authority. But no matter who you are, or how you’re wired, you were created in His image and that’s something to celebrate.
God is diverse. He is creative, caring, strong, and patient. He is kinder than the sweetest person you know, and stronger than your biggest hero. Just going to the zoo helps us recognize we could never fit Him into the mold of our finite thinking.
So how can we use this knowledge to its fullest? By recognizing that everyone you see is a child of God, created in His image, for a purpose and a reason.
Challenge:
This week’s goal: Read Galatians 5. Learn to focus on people’s strengths, not their weaknesses. Focus on how you are operating in the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, etc.
By doing so, we will start to truly love our neighbor like God loves us.
Questions:
- What is something you admire about the people in your family?
- What is a characteristic of God you truly appreciate?
- What is a characteristic of God you would like to implement more of in your own life?
- Galatians 5:12 says, we were called to love one another. How can you use your unique abilities to serve others well this week?
