Reflecting God’s Character

Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church

October 26th Sermon, Day 5

When people see you handle conflict, what do they learn about God? When they watch how you respond to disagreement, criticism, or offense, are they drawn closer to Jesus or pushed further away?

These are sobering questions, but they get to the heart of why Jesus calls peacemakers "children of God." Children naturally reflect their parents' characteristics. They pick up mannerisms, speech patterns, and ways of handling situations simply by being around their family. In the same way, when we make peace like Jesus did, we show our family resemblance to the Prince of Peace.

Jesus crossed every barrier to bring wholeness and healing to broken people. He didn't wait for us to clean up our act before pursuing relationship with us. He didn't demand that we prove ourselves worthy of His love. Instead, He took the initiative, paid the price, and built the bridge that leads us home to God. As His children, we're called to follow His example.

This means choosing forgiveness over fury, compassion over condemnation, and dialogue over division. It means being bridge builders in a world that seems determined to burn bridges. It means bringing God's wholeness into broken places, just as Jesus brought God's wholeness into our broken lives. This kind of peacemaking is completely counter-cultural. It goes against every instinct our world teaches us. But when we live this way, we become living testimonies to the transforming power of God's love. People see something different in us—something that can only be explained by the presence of Christ in our lives.

Bible Verse

"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." - John 13:35

Reflection Question

In what specific relationships or situations is God calling you to reflect His character more clearly? How can you be a bridge builder rather than a bridge burner in those areas?

Quote To be called someone's child actually means you reflect their character. So when people see you and they see me peacemaking, they see the family resemblance.

Prayer

Father, help me to reflect Your character in every interaction I have today. Make me a peacemaker who shows the world what You're like through how I love others. Let people see Jesus in me. Amen.