Ephesians 5:1

LOOK CLOSER

The word “therefore” points backward.

Paul has just described kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness.

So imitating God is not about acting powerful.

It starts with treating people the way God has treated us.

HERE'S WHERE IT HITS HOME

We often imitate whatever stays in front of us:

A sharp comment.

A cynical post.

A friend's irritation.

But attention shapes character.

The question is not only, “Who am I copying?”

It is also, “Who is teaching me how to respond?”

ONE SMALL STEP

Before answering someone today, pause for three seconds.

Choose kindness before your first reaction chooses for you.