How can believers emulate the Father's love for the Son in daily life? setting the scene: John 5:20 “The Father loves the Son and shows Him all He does. And He will show Him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed.” key qualities of the Father’s love • Wholehearted affection—no reservations (John 3:35) • Constant delight—ever-present pleasure in the Son (Matthew 3:17) • Complete transparency—nothing held back (John 15:15) • Purposeful empowerment—the Son is trusted with the Father’s works (John 5:19) • Ongoing revelation—love expressed by sharing ever “greater works” daily practices that mirror this love 1. Cultivate delight in Christ • Start each morning praising who He is (Psalm 92:2). • Speak well of Him in ordinary conversation (Colossians 4:6). 2. Share life openly with fellow believers • Walk in the light together (1 John 1:7). • Refuse hidden agendas; practice honest confession (James 5:16). 3. Empower others to serve • Identify gifts in brothers and sisters and invite them to use those gifts (Romans 12:6-8). • Celebrate their successes without jealousy (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). 4. Protect and promote another’s honor • Guard reputations in speech (Ephesians 4:29). • Step in when someone is demeaned, the way the Father affirms the Son (John 8:18). 5. Obey joyfully, not grudgingly • Jesus said, “I always do what pleases Him” (John 8:29). • Reflect that attitude in everyday tasks—work, family, ministry (Colossians 3:23). walking in transparency and truth • Keep motives pure (Psalm 139:23-24). • Welcome accountability partners who can “show you” areas to grow, as the Father shows the Son (Proverbs 27:17). serving with shared purpose • Invite others into ministry projects—mission trips, neighborhood outreach, hospitality nights—so that love multiplies through partnership (Philippians 1:3-5). celebrating participation in God’s work • When the Lord does “even greater works,” pause to marvel together (Psalm 118:23). • Testify publicly so the larger body is “amazed” and faith rises (Acts 14:27). relying on the Spirit • The same Spirit who unites Father and Son indwells believers (Romans 8:11). • Ask Him daily to produce love that mirrors the divine pattern (Galatians 5:22-23). Living out these rhythms lets the world glimpse, in tangible ways, the astounding, self-giving love the Father has for the Son. |