PART 10: BECOMING MORE LIKE CHRIST

We are created in the image of God to reflect His character in our everyday lives as ambassadors of Christ.

One of the most beautiful truths of your spiritual journey is that we were created in the image of God. You—yes even you—bear the image of God. As image bearers of God, not only does He invite us to know Him more, but also to be more like Him in the world around us. As you grow in Christ, you begin to mirror His character: His love, grace, integrity, justice, etc. You become a living picture of what God is like to the world around you.

The New Testament describes this as “being conformed to the image of His Son.” (Romans 8:29) In other words, as we grow, we become more like Jesus (Christlikeness). It’s a process that happens as we spend time with Jesus, abide in His Word, and walk by the Spirit. The more we see who God is, the more we begin to live like Him. It doesn’t happen all at once. It’s a gradual process.

God’s character is not a list of abstract attributes. It’s deeply relational and practical. Because God is love, we love. Because He is forgiving, we forgive. Because He is just, we live justly and seek justice. Because He is patient, we extend grace. This is not just moral behavior. It’s Kingdom life. God is holy, and He calls us to be holy like Him. Our holiness is the evidence of a life transformed by the love of God.

This section will help you reflect on how God’s character is shaping you and how you can reflect His image in the way you live, love, serve, and lead. As you do, remember that God is both your example and your empowerment. He’s not asking you to reflect Him by trying harder. He’s inviting you to let His life be formed in you.

Growing Closer to God

These spiritual practices will help you keep your relationship with God alive and healthy. Try one or more of the following each day:

Ask: “Which part of God’s character do I need to reflect today?”
Look for one way to show love, mercy, patience, or justice in a real-life situation.
Confess one place where your life hasn’t reflected God’s character and ask Him to shape you.
Like last time, end each day this week with this thoughtful Prayer of Examen:
- “Jesus, where did I reflect Your heart today?”
- “Where did I fall short of becoming like You?”
- “Thank You for Your grace and patience.”
- “Shape me more into Your likeness tomorrow.”

SWIPE

Reading 1

Representing God in the World

Genesis 1:27
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

2 Corinthians 5:20
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.

We were made in God’s image and redeemed to represent His character in the world. Every moment of moral integrity, every act of love, truth, justice, and mercy is a window into God’s heart when others see your life.

New Thought for the Day
“I bear the image of God and am becoming more like Christ to reflect who God is to the world around me.”

Reflect
Where might someone see a glimpse of God’s love through you today?

Prayer
It’s an honor to bear Your image, Lord, and to be an ambassador of Christ. May my life reflect Your goodness, grace, and truth today.

Reading 2

God Is Holy and Calls Us to Be Holy

1 Peter 1:15–16
But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

Leviticus 20:26
You are to be holy to me because I, the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own.

God’s holiness sets Him and us apart from all that is impure or unjust in the world. As His people, we are called to live set-apart lives, marked by our love and devotion to Him and our goodness and mercy to the world.

New Thought for the Day
“God is holy, and He calls me to reflect His holiness in every part of my life.”

Reflect
What’s one way your life can become more “set apart” for God today?

Prayer
Holy God, You are pure and perfect in every way. Help me live a holy life that both honors and represents You in thought, word, and deed.

Reading 3

God Is Righteous and Calls Us to Be Righteous

Psalm 11:7
For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face.

1 John 3:7
Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as He is righteous.

God is righteous. He always does what is right, fair, and good. As His children, we are called to follow His example by living in alignment with what is right, not just in belief but in action.

New Thought for the Day
“God is righteous, and He calls me to live in a way that reflects His righteousness.”

Reflect
What in my life needs to be shaped by righteousness today?

Prayer
Righteous God, thank You for being good and upright in all Your ways. Help me to love what is right and to live each moment in step with Your righteousness.

Reading 4

God Is Loving and Compassionate, So Are We

Ephesians 5:1–2
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.

Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

God’s love moved Christ to sacrifice Himself for us, and His compassion draws us close even when we fall. Becoming like Christ means putting on that same love and compassion in how we treat and respond to others.

New Thought for the Day
“Christ’s love and compassion will shape how I treat everyone I meet.”

Reflect
Who in your life needs to experience the compassion and love of Christ through you?

Prayer
Jesus, thank You for loving me deeply and showing me compassion. Teach me to love others with the same patience, gentleness, and care.

Reading 5

God Is Merciful and Forgiving, So Are We

Titus 3:5
He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

Luke 6:36–37
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

God’s mercy is the reason we are saved. It’s not based on our performance. It’s based on His grace. Because we’ve received such complete forgiveness, we’re called to extend that same mercy to others.

New Thought for the Day
“Because God has shown me mercy, I will show mercy to others.”

Reflect
Who do you need to forgive or show mercy to today?

Prayer
Merciful Father, thank You for forgiving me again and again. Help me extend that same mercy to others, letting go of judgment and walking in grace.

Reading 6

God Is Generous and Welcoming, So Are We

1 Timothy 6:17
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

Romans 15:7
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

Note: The word “accept” can also be translated as “welcome.”
God richly provides all that we need—not just for survival, but for joy. As recipients of His generosity and acceptance/welcome, we’re called to mirror that same spirit by sharing what we have and making room for others.

New Thought for the Day
“Because God has welcomed me and provides richly, I will be generous and welcoming..”

Reflect
How can you show generosity or acceptance (a welcoming spirit) to someone today, especially someone on the outside?

Prayer
Generous God, thank You for providing so much more than I deserve. Help me reflect Your heart by giving freely and welcoming others just as Christ welcomed me.

Reading 7

God Is Light, So We Shine

1 John 1:5
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.

Matthew 5:14, 16
You are the light of the world… Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

When we reflect God’s love, holiness, righteousness, compassion, mercy, and welcome, we become beacons of His light. His character shines through us, pushing back darkness, offering hope, and helping the world see what God is like.

New Thought for the Day
“God is light, and His light shines through me when I reflect His character.”

Reflect
Where is God inviting you to shine His light through your words, actions, or presence today?

Prayer
Lord, You are the Light that never fades. Let Your character shine through me so others may see You and glorify Your name.