Paul gave a list of characteristics fitting for one who calls God Father. This list isn’t inclusive—there are other qualities, too—but these directly affect human relationships. Most of these don’t come naturally; we have to work to cultivate them. The good news? We aren’t striving on our own strength. The Holy Spirit will build these Godly characteristics in us when we submit to His control. Over our lifetimes, each of these should become more and more our practice. Giving up self and opening up to Him lets us grow into who He designed us to be: a reflection of His Son.
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How we glorify the Father
I love the symbolism of baptism. Being “buried” in the water, which represents sin’s death, then emerging drenched in the newness of Christ. There’s a joke about a church overrun by squirrels. One of the deacons says he knows how to get rid of them—“Let’s baptize them. After that, we’ll…
Changed from the inside out
Has someone ever apologized to you for a wrongdoing, then turned around and did the same thing again? Their apology suddenly doesn’t seem so sincere, does it? Saying we’re sorry when we’ve done wrong is the first step; being repentant—turning from that behavior to wiser choices—is the second. God forgives…
God’s amazing grace
Paul had a calling directly from the Lord to tell others about God’s grace. He was determined to fulfill that call because he had experienced its power for himself. The job Paul mentions isn’t limited to him. Are you saved? Have you basked in the incredibly extravagant generosity of grace?…

