Through baptism, one becomes either a son or daughter of God. By virtue of this personality, a child of God is expected to assume the attitude of steadfastness to the ten commandments of God. And most importantly love God, live a life of holiness, obey God, hate sin and love others. BETTTY AMUKPO takes on some children on the distinguishing attitudes of the children of one Father, God. Excerpts:
‘We are expected to show love to everyone’
The story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:29-37 shows we have one father and God. With this, we are expected to show love to everyone we meet. Because those who truly love God, will exhibit such love towards others (1 John 4:8). Love is the only way we can show we are children of one father, God.
• Umennadi Francis Chibunna.
‘In love of God we are to work in unity for the progress of all humanity’
St. Paul writes that our attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. In Philippians 1:27 it is written, “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ”. So as a child of God, we are to live happily and in peace together, irrespective of what comes our way. We are not to fight with one another. In love of God, we are to work in unity for the progress of all humanity to the glory of God Almighty. Upholding justice, in unity, we can achieve a lot through striving together as one for the faith we profess as Christians
• Victoria Okefe
‘Live at peace with everyone’
As children of one Father we should not quarrel or fight with one another because we are children of the same Father. If we offend one another, we should settle the quarrel and make peace. We should not hold grudges against one another. “If it is possible, as long as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone”, states Roman 12:18.
• Awaki Barnabas
‘When we have the attitude of holiness, God will be happy with us’
When we have the attitude of holiness, God will be happy with us. A true child of God is led by the Holy Spirit. The Bible describes the children of God as having certain attitudes which include:
• Share great love with each other
• Live happily
• Don’t fight, steal or keep malice
• Work together in love and in peace
• Promote unity. Matthew 7:16 says, “You will know them by their fruits.” Romans 8:14 says, “For all you are being led by the spirit of God, these are sons of God.”
A child of one father practices:
• Obedience
• Righteousness
• Godliness.
Obeying God’s will is essential for our relationship with our heavenly father. When we have the attitude of holiness, God will be happy with us. There will be joy in our hearts, progress in our studies/work and cooperation among children of God.
• Chima Anita
‘We should not quarrel nor fight nor hold grudges against anyone’
As children of one father God, it does not matter where we come from. No matter the race, colour, ethnicity or status. We are to love each other without boundaries. Jesus taught us in Matthew 5: 23 – 24 that we should not quarrel nor fight nor hold grudges against anyone. Also 1John 4:7 & Hebrew 12:14 teach us to live in peace and spread love because our father God is love.
• Deke Victoria.
‘Respect the views of others’
The attitudes expected from children of one Father, God, are:
• They share unconditional love.
• They live happily together (Matt 5:22-25).
• They are charitable.
• They work together in love
• They respect the views of others.
God is a family of three persons in one, and they live and love one another, we are also to be like God in loving ourselves and living together.
• Amaka Anthony
‘They should be God fearing; lead by example’
The attitudes expected from children of God are: They should be God fearing; lead by example; be respectful; be a good model; be the Bible your neighbour reads; (Proverbs 29:5); be obedient; make sacrifices; obey rules and regulations of the Church and the society; be orderly (Philippians 6:1); bear wrongs patiently; have a forgiving spirit; obey before complaining (Exodus 3:2); accept apologies (Galatians 9:11).
• Stephen Victory
‘Good behaviour is expected from Children of one Father’
The kind of attitude expected is to live in peace with others around you. Living in peace with one another creates room for every other good behaviour expected from Children of one Father. It is stated in Romans 12:16 that, “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of lower position. Do not be conceited.”
• Eyinade Gideon
‘Honesty, humility, kindness and friendliness, love’
You are a child of God if you have believed… a belief that causes you to surrender your life to Jesus as your Lord. A belief that keeps you believing and surrendering to your Lord; in other words, God’s child! If we are God’s children, we will love our heavenly Father. Attitudes of children of God: • Be determined: Determination can help you as a child avoids the temptation to become a pessimist. • Fidelity and chastity: Being upright and upholding righteous behaviour. • Honesty, Humility, Kindness and friendliness, Love, Loyalty and dependability (John 1:12). But to all who did receive him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God, Peter 4:1. Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. Philippians 4:8-9 states: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
• Okononfua Bryan
