Ephesians 5:1,2
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.”
I love this, “be imitators of God”. It almost shocks the ears. It seems too lofty. Someone could tell say to imitate Kobe Bryant. It would be ridiculus on most levels. However, I could emulate his attitude and effort.
The next verse tells us how, “walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us”. Paul gives the example of Jesus. We are to be imitators of Him. WWJD.
The example that is given is how Jesus walked in love. He gave Himself up for us. As we go throughout our day, we have plenty to do. We owe our employers eight hours. Even though we have a task, we can do it in such a way which is considerate of others. A teacher has the task of delivering knowledge, motivation and encouragement to young people. We all have had good and bad teachers. This can be done in a loving way. Someone working in a cubicle is part of a team. This one can be collaborative and helpful. A positive, generous attitude is a joy to be around. This behavior would make the team better.
He gave Himself up for us. He never demonstrated a martyr attitude. “You had better appreciate this. I could be doing something else right now.” To the core, He was commited to helping us. His ego wasn’t involved. He didn’t pout when others didn’t respond to His loving acts. He had many opportunities to do this. The cross would have been an easy one. It if it was a coded comment. But no. He said, “Father, forgive them. For they know not what they do.”
True love is not motivated by ego or reputation. A selfless love that gives. The passage ends by saying it was “a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” Lord, You are worthy of our sacrifice. When we do it sincerely for God, we won’t be disappointed by the wrong reaction from others.
Lord, help us to love like You. Help to walk in love. Where ever our feet take us, help us to love in that circumstance. Not to be hurt when it’s not appreciated. We are doing it You.
True love is not motivated by ego or reputation. A selfless love that gives. The passage ends by saying it was “a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” Lord, You are worthy of our sacrifice. When we do it sincerely for God, we won’t be disappointed by the wrong reaction from others.
Lord, help us to love like You. Help to walk in love. Where ever our feet take us, help us to love in that circumstance. Not to be hurt when it’s not appreciated. We are doing it You.