Imitating God: Embracing Love, Kindness, and Forgiveness
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the concept of imitating God as beloved children, drawing inspiration from the popular children's show, Bluey. The episode "Copycat" served as a modern parable, illustrating how children learn by mimicking their parents, much like how we are called to imitate God. We delved into Ephesians 4, which provides a checklist for living a new life in Christ, focusing on the positive actions we should take rather than the negatives we should avoid.
We discussed the importance of kindness and tenderheartedness, emphasizing that being tenderhearted means allowing the feelings of others to touch our souls. This deep compassion enables us to act for the benefit of others, much like Jesus did when He healed the leper. We also examined the necessity of forgiveness, as Jesus taught us to forgive not just seven times, but seventy-seven times, symbolizing infinite forgiveness.
The sermon highlighted the significance of walking in love, as Christ loved us sacrificially. This sacrificial love is a fragrant offering to God, pleasing Him much like the Old Testament sacrifices. We are called to live lives filled with love, kindness, and compassion, imitating God in all that we do.
Finally, we acknowledged that while some aspects of life are out of our control, we can always choose to follow God and imitate His ways. Through His grace, we are empowered to love our neighbors and live lives that are pleasing to Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. Imitating God as Beloved Children: Just as children learn by copying their parents, we are called to imitate God. This involves not just mimicking actions but embodying the love, kindness, and compassion that God shows us. Our actions should reflect the deep love and care that God has for us. [44:03]
2. The Depth of Tenderheartedness: Being tenderhearted goes beyond simple kindness. It involves allowing the feelings of others to touch our souls, enabling us to act with genuine compassion. This deep empathy helps us understand and meet the needs of those around us, much like Jesus did when He healed the leper. [45:54]
3. Infinite Forgiveness: Jesus taught us to forgive not just seven times, but seventy-seven times, symbolizing infinite forgiveness. This means we are called to forgive others endlessly, just as God forgives us. This practice of forgiveness is a crucial aspect of imitating God and living a Christ-like life. [49:43]
4. Walking in Sacrificial Love: To walk in love as Christ loved us means to live a life filled with sacrificial love. This love is not just about feelings but involves tangible actions that benefit others, even at a cost to ourselves. Such sacrificial love is a fragrant offering to God, pleasing Him deeply. [59:00]
5. The Role of Grace in Imitation: We cannot imitate God on our own; it is only through His grace that we can embody His love, kindness, and compassion. By relying on God's grace, we are empowered to love our neighbors and live lives that are pleasing to Him. This grace enables us to follow God closely, even when life is challenging. [01:01:35]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[05:36] - Announcements and Upcoming Events
[06:16] - Opening Prayer and Worship
[39:50] - Introduction and Prayer
[40:32] - The Art of Faith Series
[42:07] - Bluey and the Game of Copycat
[44:03] - Imitating God as Beloved Children
[45:54] - The Meaning of Tenderheartedness
[47:35] - Jesus' Compassion and Healing
[49:43] - The Call to Infinite Forgiveness
[51:48] - Children Learning by Copying
[53:49] - Processing Life's Lessons
[55:31] - Following God as Beloved Children
[59:00] - Walking in Sacrificial Love
[01:01:35] - The Role of Grace in Imitation
[01:02:33] - Invitation to Join the Church and Closing Song
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 4:32-5:2 (ESV)
> "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
2. Matthew 18:21-22 (ESV)
> "Then Peter came up and said to him, 'Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?' Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.'"
3. Mark 1:40-42 (ESV)
> "And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, 'If you will, you can make me clean.' Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, 'I will; be clean.' And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 4:32, what are the three actions we are instructed to take towards one another?
2. In the sermon, what does being tenderhearted mean, and how is it different from simple kindness? ([45:54])
3. How does Jesus' response to Peter in Matthew 18:21-22 redefine the concept of forgiveness?
4. What example of Jesus' compassion is highlighted in Mark 1:40-42, and how does it relate to being tenderhearted? ([47:35])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the need for kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness in Ephesians 4:32-5:2? How do these qualities help us imitate God?
2. How does the concept of infinite forgiveness in Matthew 18:21-22 challenge our natural inclinations towards those who wrong us? ([49:43])
3. In what ways does Jesus' healing of the leper in Mark 1:40-42 serve as a model for us to follow in showing compassion and empathy? ([47:35])
4. How does the idea of sacrificial love, as described in Ephesians 5:2, shape our understanding of what it means to walk in love? ([59:00])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you had the opportunity to show kindness. How did you respond, and how might you respond differently in light of Ephesians 4:32? ([44:03])
2. Think of a time when you found it difficult to forgive someone. How does Jesus' teaching on infinite forgiveness in Matthew 18:21-22 influence your perspective on that situation? ([49:43])
3. Identify a person in your life who is in need of compassion. What specific action can you take this week to show them tenderheartedness, as Jesus did with the leper? ([47:35])
4. Walking in sacrificial love can be challenging. What is one practical way you can demonstrate sacrificial love to someone in your community this week? ([59:00])
5. How can you rely on God's grace to help you imitate His love, kindness, and compassion in your daily interactions? ([01:01:35])
6. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. What steps can you take to draw closer to Him and ensure you are imitating Him as a beloved child? ([55:31])
7. How can you create a habit of being more tenderhearted and empathetic towards others' feelings and needs in your everyday life? ([45:54])
Devotional
### Day 1: Imitating God as Beloved Children
As children learn by copying their parents, we are called to imitate God. This involves not just mimicking actions but embodying the love, kindness, and compassion that God shows us. Our actions should reflect the deep love and care that God has for us. [44:03]
In Ephesians 5:1-2, Paul encourages believers to "be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." This call to imitation is not about superficial actions but about embodying the very nature of God's love and compassion. Just as children naturally mimic their parents, we are to reflect God's character in our daily lives. This means showing kindness, being tenderhearted, and forgiving others as God forgives us.
Imitating God requires a deep, transformative change in our hearts and minds. It is not merely about following rules but about allowing God's love to permeate every aspect of our lives. When we truly understand and experience God's love, it naturally flows out of us and impacts those around us. This imitation is a lifelong journey, one that requires us to continually seek God's presence and guidance.
Ephesians 5:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
Reflection: Think of a specific way you can imitate God's love today. How can you show kindness and compassion to someone in your life?
### Day 2: The Depth of Tenderheartedness
Being tenderhearted goes beyond simple kindness. It involves allowing the feelings of others to touch our souls, enabling us to act with genuine compassion. This deep empathy helps us understand and meet the needs of those around us, much like Jesus did when He healed the leper. [45:54]
Tenderheartedness is a profound form of empathy that goes beyond surface-level kindness. It means being deeply moved by the experiences and emotions of others, allowing their pain and joy to touch our hearts. This kind of compassion compels us to take action, to reach out and help those in need. Jesus exemplified this tenderheartedness when He healed the leper, not just addressing the physical ailment but also the emotional and social isolation the leper experienced.
To be tenderhearted is to be vulnerable, to open ourselves up to the joys and sorrows of others. It requires us to step out of our comfort zones and engage with people on a deeper level. This kind of empathy can be challenging, but it is essential for building genuine, loving relationships. When we allow ourselves to be moved by the experiences of others, we become more like Christ, who was always moved by compassion to heal and restore.
Colossians 3:12 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is going through a difficult time. How can you show them tenderhearted compassion today?
### Day 3: Infinite Forgiveness
Jesus taught us to forgive not just seven times, but seventy-seven times, symbolizing infinite forgiveness. This means we are called to forgive others endlessly, just as God forgives us. This practice of forgiveness is a crucial aspect of imitating God and living a Christ-like life. [49:43]
Forgiveness is a central theme in the teachings of Jesus. When Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive someone who sins against him, Jesus replied, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times" (Matthew 18:22). This response emphasizes the boundless nature of forgiveness that Jesus calls us to practice. Just as God forgives us repeatedly and unconditionally, we are to extend the same grace to others.
Forgiving others can be incredibly challenging, especially when we have been deeply hurt. However, holding onto grudges and resentment only harms us and hinders our spiritual growth. By choosing to forgive, we release the burden of anger and bitterness and allow God's healing to take place in our hearts. Forgiveness is not about condoning the wrong done to us but about freeing ourselves from the chains of unforgiveness and reflecting God's infinite grace.
Matthew 18:21-22 (ESV): "Then Peter came up and said to him, 'Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?' Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.'"
Reflection: Think of someone you need to forgive. Can you ask God to help you begin to extend His love and forgiveness to them today?
### Day 4: Walking in Sacrificial Love
To walk in love as Christ loved us means to live a life filled with sacrificial love. This love is not just about feelings but involves tangible actions that benefit others, even at a cost to ourselves. Such sacrificial love is a fragrant offering to God, pleasing Him deeply. [59:00]
Sacrificial love is the highest form of love, exemplified by Jesus Christ, who gave His life for us. This kind of love goes beyond mere emotions and is demonstrated through selfless actions that seek the well-being of others. In Ephesians 5:2, Paul describes this love as a "fragrant offering and sacrifice to God," indicating that it is deeply pleasing to Him. When we walk in sacrificial love, we reflect the heart of Christ and bring glory to God.
Living a life of sacrificial love requires us to put the needs of others before our own. It means being willing to make personal sacrifices, whether it be our time, resources, or comfort, to serve and uplift others. This kind of love is not always easy, but it is a powerful testimony of God's love working through us. By choosing to love sacrificially, we become instruments of God's grace and mercy in the world.
1 John 3:16-18 (ESV): "By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."
Reflection: Identify one way you can show sacrificial love to someone today. What tangible action can you take to meet their needs, even if it requires a personal sacrifice?
### Day 5: The Role of Grace in Imitation
We cannot imitate God on our own; it is only through His grace that we can embody His love, kindness, and compassion. By relying on God's grace, we are empowered to love our neighbors and live lives that are pleasing to Him. This grace enables us to follow God closely, even when life is challenging. [01:01:35]
Imitating God is a high calling that we cannot achieve through our own strength. It is only by God's grace that we are able to reflect His love, kindness, and compassion in our lives. Grace is the unmerited favor of God that empowers us to live according to His will. It is through grace that we are transformed and equipped to love others as God loves us. This grace is available to us every day, enabling us to overcome our weaknesses and live in a way that pleases God.
When we rely on God's grace, we acknowledge our dependence on Him and open ourselves up to His transformative power. Grace not only forgives our sins but also empowers us to live righteously. It is by grace that we can extend love and compassion to others, even in difficult circumstances. By continually seeking God's grace, we are able to grow in our imitation of Him and become more like Christ in our daily lives.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you need God's grace. How can you rely on His grace to help you imitate His love and compassion in that area today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "As Christians, we are called to imitate God as beloved children. It's not necessarily a game of copycat with God, but let's talk just a little bit about what it means. Ephesians 4 is read kind of like a checklist. A checklist of what to do. And the translators of this portion even titled this section of scripture as rules for the new life. So here are some rules for the new life." [44:03] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So, children learn by copying, as we've talked about. And we are to imitate God as beloved children. So, my daughter, who's almost four, she listens when I don't think she's listening. I was Thursday afternoon. I was driving home from work. I had both kids in the back of the car. And I'm trying to pull into the exit lane. And there's somebody right there in my blind spot who probably doesn't know I'm trying to get over. And I'm like, okay, I'm going to speed up, and I'm going to get ahead of them. Well, they decide to speed up, too, at the same time. And out of my mouth comes, come on. And all of a sudden, from the backseat, I hear, come on. Mommy, why did you say come on?" [51:48] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So, our kids, and kids in general, even if you don't have children, there's always people kind of watching and figuring things out. And they're learning from us, whether we want them to or not. In the copycat episode of Bluey, Bluey gets home and is processing through what happens and what happened. And goes through the whole thing. And goes through the whole process again by playing with her little sister, Bingo. And Bingo decides, I don't want to play it that way. I want to play it my own way." [53:49] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So, imitate God as beloved children. Imitate also means to follow. A lot of other instances of this word in the Bible is to follow. And not just follow God, but as beloved children. Now think about how beloved children, children who are loved deeply by their parents, follow their parents." [55:31] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When we follow God, it's not an easy task. It's gonna ask us to do some hard stuff sometimes and we're gonna drift away, maybe lose sight of him. But he's always there. He's watching. He's making sure we're not getting lost. And as we imitate God, we walk in love. Walk in love can have different connotations depending on what your life experience has been. But the best way I thought to explain walk in love was to live a life filled with love. And not just love, but sacrificial love." [58:00] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Tenderhearted or compassionate people allow feelings of others to touch them. To touch their own souls. When people around them grieve, compassionate people feel sad as well. When others are needy, tenderhearted people sense that need. It's easy to make the connection between kindness and compassion. When you feel what others feel around you, feel, you're better able to figure out what they need, and you're more motivated to act for their benefit." [45:54] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus heals the leper. People with leprosy didn't get touched much. In fact, once you had leprosy, no one went near you. They didn't want to get it themselves. Can you imagine how that lack of touch and affection through hugs, kindness, how that might affect you, not having that? And yet Jesus did the taboo thing. I said, walking on by like everyone else, Jesus touched him, and it healed him. That's tenderhearted." [47:35] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Next is forgive each other as God and Christ has forgiven you. In the book of Matthew, Peter asked Jesus, how often must I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times. That's a good number, right? I'll just forgive him seven times. Jesus responds, not seven, but 77 times. Now, I know you're thinking, okay, I'll keep a tally. When I'm getting to 77, I don't have to forgive anybody anymore. That's not true. Because 77 in those times meant infinite. It is not a finite number that we are to forgive other people when they hurt us. It is infinite." [49:43] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We are to be a pleasing aroma. Not just in hygiene, but in our sacrifice. Let our sacrifices be pleasing to God. So I'm gonna jump back a little bit. What can we do? What is in control? There are certain things in life that are out of our hands and there's nothing we can do about it. But we can follow God. We can imitate him. These are just some basic things. And it's the fruit. Because we can't do these things without the grace of God. Because of Jesus' sacrifice, we are able to be kind and we are able to be tenderhearted. We are able to walk in love. It is by his grace that we are able to love our neighbor as they need to be loved. We cannot imitate God without his help." [01:01:35] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Christ's sacrifice was a fragrant offering. And we are asked to be a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God as well. Now what does that mean, fragrant offering? Like, I hope you have good hygiene. I hope you're not coming in here and stinking the whole place up and we can smell your fragrant offering. That's not what I'm saying and that's not what the scripture is saying. This is talking about Old Testament sacrifices. When people would come and bring an animal to be sacrificed in order for God to forgive their sins. Thank goodness we don't live in this anymore, that we have to do this. But as they would make that sacrifice, they would burn the fat. I hope it would smell like bacon." [59:43] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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