It’s Hereditary

Bible Reading: John 3:1-8; 13:33-35

“Oh, Mom! Why did I have to get freckles?” Everly complained as she studied her face in the mirror.

“Be glad you don’t have warts,” said her brother Miles. “Besides, what’s wrong with freckles? Mom has freckles, and she’s pretty.”

Everly shrugged. “That’s different.”

“I’m not really surprised you have freckles,” said Mom. “It’s hereditary.”

“What does that mean, Mom?” Miles asked.

“It means there’s no hope for me!” Everly moaned.

“Children inherit some of the characteristics their parents and grandparents have,” Mom explained. “For example, freckles seem to run in our family. As you pointed out, Miles, I have them. Both your grandma and great-grandma had them too, and now Everly has them. Another thing that runs in our family is curly hair. You both inherited that characteristic.”

“That one’s not so bad, I guess,” said Everly. “What else did we inherit?”

“Well, Miles got your dad’s brown eyes, and Everly’s eyes are blue like mine,” said Mom. “People often say that you look like me, Everly, and they see a lot of your dad in you, Miles. So you’re both a reflection of your father and me.”

“We’re a lot like you and Dad because we were born into your family, right?” Miles asked.

Mom nodded. “You may not always appreciate all the traits you inherited, but you both have so many of them and look so much like us that it’s obvious you’re part of our family.”

“Freckles and all!” said Everly with a grin.

“You know, kids,” said Mom, “since we’re Christians, we’re part of another family too—God’s family. When we put our trust in Jesus, the Bible says we were ‘born again’—we were freed from sin and became God’s children, and He put the characteristics He Himself has in our hearts—traits like love, faithfulness, and patience, to name a few. When our words and actions reflect the character and love of Jesus, others can see that we’re God’s children.”

“That’s what Mr. Snyder said in our youth group last week,” said Miles. “He said we become more and more like Jesus as we grow in our faith.”

Mom nodded. “As we develop the characteristics He’s given us and display them in our lives, it’s plain to see that we belong to Him.” -Brenda Decker

How About You?

Do you belong to God’s family? Do others see Jesus and His love in you? When you trusted in Him, He saved you from sin and gave you the traits He has so you could reflect His character to others. As you get to know Him better, He will help you grow to be more like Him every day. Let your life and the way you treat others be a reflection of Jesus so others can see your heavenly Father’s love for them.

Today’s Key Verse:
Ephesians 5:1 Be imitators of God as dear children. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Reflect God’s character