WALK IN LOVE
Be imitators of God, therefore, as belovedG27 children, and walk in loveG26, just as Christ lovedG25 us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.
Ephesians 5:1-2 (BSB)
Therefore be imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]. And walk in love, [esteeming and delighting in one another] as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a slain offering and sacrifice to God [for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.
Ephesians 5:1-2 (AMPC)
G27 ἀγαπητός agapētós – from G25; beloved of God, means chosen by Him to salvation
The Complete Word Study Dictionary, New Testament, Spiros Zodhiates, ed.
We are the beloved children of God our Father, meaning He chose us to be saved and become part of His forever family. We are to imitate Him and “walk in love”. How many times have you watched a child imitate his or her parent? A little girl will try to put on make-up like Mom, or a child will stand on a chair or sit on the counter to help Mom cook. When I (Susan) was little, I had a toy phone. I would dial it and imitate Mom’s conversations, “Hello! This is Susan. What are you doing today? We need to go out to eat and the mall. I’ll see you soon!” I also had a toy sink in my tub and would pretend to wash dishes. I didn’t want to get out and would say, “I’m not finished yet. Please warm the water up again,” because I liked doing my dishes! I (Susie) would “help” my dad mow the lawn or put oil in the car. Children imitate their parents.
How are we to imitate our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus? We are to be a “mini-me” of Jesus when it comes to love (and all the Fruit of the Spirit). We are to take delight in our brothers and sisters in Christ and enjoy each other. However, true Christian love often involves an element of sacrifice. True imitation of God is being willing to put another person’s needs above our own. Christlikeness requires selflessness. We may not be called to literally die in someone’s place as Jesus did for us, but we can die to our own selfishness in order to demonstrate His love to someone else. We have the ability to walk in love by the power of His Holy Spirit in us. But we have a choice each day as to whether we tap into the power of love or not. Christlikeness results in JOY—Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last.
Father, help us to choose love. Help us to be willing to put aside our own desires to fulfill someone else’s need. Help us to be “Jesus with skin on” to someone who needs to feel Your love.