Family resemblance ∙∙∙

Family resemblance ∙∙∙

For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son. – Romans 8:29

1 Peter 2:21-23

21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.

22 He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone.

23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.

Family Resemblance and Spiritual Transformation

The concept of family resemblance highlights how children or members of a family often share similar traits. These traits may include physical characteristics like facial features, eye color, or the way they walk, as well as intangible qualities such as temperament, intelligence, or talents (Psychology Dictionary). These similarities arise from a combination of genetics, DNA, and socialization. This phenomenon extends beyond physical traits, hinting at deeper connections on a spiritual level.

Spiritually, we begin our lives aligned with a particular family. The question is, to which family do we belong at birth? The answer is unsettling. Scripture makes it clear there are only two spiritual families—the Father’s and the enemy’s (John 8:44). Tragically, every human is initially born into the enemy’s family. While this may seem implausible or even shocking, it’s a reality that cannot be ignored.

If we act like the devil, there is probably a good reason. Thankfully, there is a solution.

Adoption

Our loving heavenly Father has provided an answer for this dilemma: adoption. When we accept the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, God the Father adopts us into His Forever Family. This adoption changes everything; we are no longer part of our old spiritual lineage. Instead, we become children of the King in God’s Forever Family.

But there is even more to this transformation than just adoption. The Father continually works to renew us from the inside out, replacing the traits of our former family with the qualities and attributes of His own. His ultimate purpose is to shape us into the image of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29). He is actively working toward this goal.
Take a moment to reflect on this incredible reality: being part of God’s Forever Family is a tremendous privilege. Knowing that the Lord God Almighty is our Father should fill us with awe and gratitude. Why, then, do we resist His authority and guidance in our lives? Our heavenly Father offers true freedom within the bounds of His love and wisdom. The Father’s freedom stands in stark contrast to the false “freedom” that the adversary provides — a freedom that lacks value and the Father’s favor. This approach has not worked well in the past 6,000 years of human history.

The chaos and upheaval we witness in society today are consequences of rejecting divine authority and opting for the so-called freedom of doing “what is right in our own eyes.”

But there is hope. Through the Father’s loving transformation, we can leave these old traits behind and embody the characteristics of our new spiritual family. This is the beauty of being part of God’s Forever Family—He not only adopts us but also works tirelessly to shape us into His likeness. What an extraordinary privilege to belong to a Father so committed to our growth and eternal joy!

REFLECT & PRAY

What is the secret to not getting angry, seeking revenge, or holding grudges?

Father, thank You for giving us such a wonderful example in Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. I want to be just like Him and reflect His character in every part of my life. Please continue shaping me until my words, actions, and heart mirror His.

INSIGHT

God’s Pattern for His Children

A question often stirs in our hearts—what does it mean to truly belong to the Father’s Forever Family? What characteristics define us, and what is God Himself like? Thankfully, He has answered through the life and example of His Son, Jesus. Hebrews 1:3 declares, “The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God.” This reveals the depth of God’s desire for His children to imitate His Son’s nature. Redemption is not the end of the story; it’s the beginning of a lifelong transformation into the likeness of Christ.

1 Peter 2:21 reminds us of this calling: “For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.”

The Greek word translated as “example” is hupogrammos, which provides a fascinating word picture for us. It refers to a master copy or template used by Greek children to learn their alphabet. They were presented with a model or pattern, an example for imitation, and a master copy to imitate. They would trace faint outlines of letters repeatedly until perfecting the strokes. Likewise, Christ is our hupogrammos, “master copy.”

The Father invites us to “trace” over the life of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, His responses, and His heart until His image shines through us.

But there is more.

Imagine this process more visually. Think back to a childhood craft where many of us done. Where we laid a thin copper foil over an object and gently tapped it to create an impression. Over time, the object’s image would emerge on the foil’s surface. In a similar fashion, in the Father’s hands, we are the copper. The Lord Jesus Christ is the image beneath, “the master copy.” Through the Father’s gentle and persistent work, as He hammers away, He shapes us. We are slowly, relentlessly being molded into the pattern of His Son. As a result, the image of the Lord Jesus Christ takes form within us.

The Example of Christ’s Restraint

The life of Jesus demonstrates profound restraint in the face of cruelty and rejection. Even when insulted, scorned, and falsely accused, He never retaliated or sought revenge. 1 Peter 2:22-23 captures it perfectly, “He never sinned, nor deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when insulted, nor threaten revenge when He suffered. He left His case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.”

The Lord Jesus Christ was reviled, insulted, scorned, and despised, particularly by those in authority, during His time on Earth. He never lost control. He was a patient sufferer.

Pause for a moment and imagine the wounds His gentle spirit and tender heart experienced as He endured a barrage of ugly, abusive speech, rudeness, and haughty contempt. Despite this relentless onslaught, the Lord Jesus Christ remained unwavering. He never succumbed to anger, retaliated, or engaged in a tit-for-tat exchange of insults. It’s extraordinary to consider His composure amid such antagonism. He harbored no desire for retribution or vengeance. He frequently confronted mean-spirited accusers and hypocrites, but He was not in the business of getting even (John 8).

How was he able to do it? He kept entrusting Himself to the Father. He gave over His care and preservation entirely to His Father. Why? Because His trust was fully anchored in the Father. Every situation, every insult, every wound—He handed them all over to the Father, knowing He would handle them with ultimate justice and wisdom. The Father had complete control over the direction of His life.

This level of surrender reveals His unfailing attitude, summarized in Luke 22:42, “Not my will, but Yours, be done.” Christ modeled the secret of true freedom—not in resisting authority, but in choosing to submit fully to the Father’s eternal plan.

A Reflection for Us All

It is a privilege to be shaped by the Father, our Creator God, and to become more like the Lord Jesus Christ. As His children, we are invited to live with His peace, patience, and love. To let go of anger and the desire for revenge, we need to trust God. His spirit will help us with the rest.

We can take comfort in how the Father is working to transform us, helping us become like His Son. This transformation requires us to surrender our worries to Him. Like Jesus, we should give every situation and every hurt to the Father.

This is not easy, especially when we feel the sting of being wronged or hurt. However, through faith, God gives us the strength to let go of anger, retaliation, or bitterness. Instead, we can show the same grace and patience that Christ showed.

¯_(ツ)_/¯6-09-3

© Dr. H 2025