When your daughter was a baby, you desperately wanted her to imitate you–to repeat “mama,” to hold her spoon, to walk steadily. No matter her age today, your daughter is still learning and mimicking. Who is it that your girl imitates most often? Is it a sibling, a friend, an online influencer?

Ephesians 5:1 calls us to be “imitators of God, as beloved children.” Boil it down, and we’re called to be love, since after all: God is love.

So how you raise a girl after God’s own heart? Don’t underestimate the influence you, her parent, have on her habits. If she sees you regularly diving into your Bible, discerning through prayer, loving without limitation: it’s likely she’ll start mirroring your Godly behavior.

Listen to the Raising Godly Girls Minute with Patti Garibay: