Shaping the Character of Jesus in Our Family

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and

gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2 (ESV)

The Apostle Paul encourages us to "be imitators of God" and to "walk in love, as Christ loved us." But how can we, as parents, nurture this Christlike character in our homes? It all begins with understanding the character of Jesus and then intentionally reflecting His love, humility, and holiness in the way we live.

The foundation of Jesus' character is His profound love—sacrificial, unconditional, and selfless. As parents, we must first grasp the depth of His love for us if we are to reflect it in our daily lives. This means loving our children unconditionally, extending grace when they fall short, and modeling compassion even when it’s difficult. Jesus' love wasn’t just for those who loved Him back; He reached out to those who were hard to love, showing mercy to sinners and embracing the outcasts.

Humility and obedience to God's will were central to Jesus’ life. Likewise, as parents, we are called to model these traits for our children. True Christlikeness involves surrender—choosing God's way over our own desires, even when it’s difficult or inconvenient.

Create an atmosphere of humility and obedience in your home by showing your children what it looks like to put others first, serve without expectation, and trust God’s guidance in every situation. Practice saying "yes" to God’s will, even when it requires sacrifice, and encourage your children to do the same by showing them your own example.

Jesus was holy, and as His followers, we are called to reflect His holiness in all areas of our lives. This doesn’t mean we are perfect, but it does mean striving to live with integrity, purity, and intentionality. Holiness begins in our hearts but should be reflected in our actions, speech, and relationships. As parents, we must model a life set apart for God, helping our children understand that following Jesus requires pursuing righteousness, even when it’s hard or counter-cultural.

Shaping the character of Jesus in our family is not a one-time task but a lifelong journey. It requires consistency, prayer, and a deep dependence on the Holy Spirit. As parents, we are not just raising children; we are shaping hearts for eternity. Every decision, every conversation, and every moment is an opportunity to reflect Christ and teach our children how to do the same.

Let’s press on in this journey, trusting that God is faithfully shaping both us and our children into the image of His Son. Together, as a family, let’s embrace the calling to be imitators of God, reflecting His love, humility, and holiness to the world around us.

Paulina Rodriguez