# imitate, imitator #

## Definition: ##

The terms "imitate" and "imitator" refer to copying someone else, and acting exactly like that person does.

* Christians are taught to imitate Jesus Christ by obeying God and loving others, just as Jesus did.
* The apostle Paul told the early church to imitate him, just as he imitated Christ.

## Translation Suggestions: ##

* The term "imitate" could be translated as, "do the same things as" or "follow his example."
* The expression, "be imitators of God" could be translated as, "be people who act like God does" or "be people who do the kinds of things God does."
* "You became imitators of us" could be translated as, "You followed our example" or "You are doing the same kinds of godly things that you saw us do."

## Bible References: ##

* [3 John 01:11-12](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/3jn/01/11)
* [Matthew 23:1-3](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/mat/23/01)