Born to Be Different

"Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony."

John 3:11 (NIV)

How can you tell if someone is truly born again? They look like their Father.

When a child enters the world, you immediately start looking for family resemblances. "She has her mother's eyes," or "He has his dad's smile." Children naturally inherit characteristics from their parents; it's unavoidable and undeniable.

The same principle applies when God becomes your Father through spiritual birth. You don't have to work at looking like Him; you naturally begin reflecting His character, love, and nature.

In today’s verse, Jesus challenges a Pharisee named Nicodemus. He arrests his unbelief by pointing to the evidence, testifying to “what we have seen.” (John 3:11, NIV) When you're genuinely born again, the results show up in how you live, love, and treat others.

You won't remain the same person you were before. If you’re a spouse who was harsh and critical, you can start treating your partner with gentleness and respect. If you’ve ever felt consumed with jealousy, you can begin to embrace life with contentment and joy.

Say goodbye to proving you’re born again through perfect behavior—or proving anything. Embrace the new birth Jesus freely gives. Then your life will show the family resemblance of your heavenly Father. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You that Your mercies are new every morning. I receive the new birth only You can give! Now, Lord, let my life reflect Your character. Help others see the family resemblance between You and me through how I love, serve, and live each day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.