Things I Learned from My Dad

"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." // Luke 6:36

Some of my favorite things that I’ve learned from my dad—like how to lead with integrity, how to hit a softball, and how to rock a Vanilla Ice song on karaoke—I picked up on by simply observing him live his life.

From a young age, my desire to imitate my dad’s quirks and character traits came from a place of deep love and admiration for who he was and who I wanted to be as his daughter: a person who reflects the best parts of him (and could hit just as many home runs, obviously).

Now, as I read today’s Gospel, the desire I held as a little girl is stirred up again in my heart: I want to imitate the life of my Heavenly Father.

Throughout Scripture, we receive countless examples of the Lord showing His people mercy, especially when none is deserved. When actions do not merit His love, He pours out in more abundance. It’s Who He is—and it’s who He asks us to be.

It can be easy to see today’s Gospel as a cliche “treat others how you want to be treated” message, but the Lord’s instruction is anything but regular—it’s radical. He calls us to love as He loves, to be merciful as He is merciful, and to give others grace where it hasn’t been earned.

He’s not asking us to give anything we haven’t already received, dear sister. He’s asking us to reflect what He’s already shown us.

Let’s follow His lead.

Follow His lead. // Kelsey DassanceClick to tweet

listen to today’s devotion