Family Resemblance

Growing Daily

Family Resemblance

My pastor and his wife adopted a child through state child protective services seven years ago. It almost goes without saying that this little girl’s adoption is a beautiful picture of salvation, right? Through no effort of her own, she was chosen, rescued from harm, given a new name, and brought into a loving family (Ephesians 1:5).

But over time, I’ve noticed something interesting. Although she did not look or act like her adoptive parents by nature, living with them has changed her. She now enjoys the things they enjoy, likes the same foods, and laughs at the same jokes.  She’s even beginning to resemble them, as she unconsciously uses their facial expressions and gestures. I see glimpses of her parents in her.

That too is a beautiful picture of how God works. We were not like Christ by nature, but after our adoption into God’s family, the Spirit “makes us more and more like Him” (2 Corinthians 3:18). He intends for us “to become like his Son” (Romans 8:29). There even comes a point when people see Christ in us.

Just as a child begins to resemble the family she loves, Christ-likeness in us is the natural fruit of relationship as we live day by day in His care—listening and responding as He makes His home in our hearts (John 14:23; John 15:4-5).


- Catherine Reid