“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.”– Eph. 5:1-2
In chapter four of Paul’s letter to the saints in Ephesus urges us to walk worthy. Now he tells us what that looks like -“walk in love“. That is a lifestyle that is sure to get attention. More than that it gains God’s approval. That should be every Christian’s goal. In these two verses we see three things that are of great importance.
I. A PATTERN TO IMITATE – “Be ye therefore followers of God”
It is a sad fact that most people admire and are influenced by the wrong people. But as Christians we are to imitate, follow, Christ. He is the standard, model, example we are to follow. It isn’t good enough to be as good, or better, than others. Our goal is likeness to Christ ( Rom. 8:29). The word “followers” means “imitate”. We are to do as He does. Just as a child naturally bears some resemblance to his parents others should see something of our Father in us.
II. A PRECEPT TO INITIATE – “And walk in love”
There is no better word than “love” to describe how we should live. That is the path God has set before us. It sums up all we are to do. Where love is lacking likeness to Christ is missing (Matt. 5:43-48). The word “walk” is a present imperative – a command regarding our daily conduct, not something we do occasionally. It speaks of our conduct, our manner of life. In this case, a life characterized by love.
III. A PICTURE TO ILLUSTRATE – “as Christ also hath loved us”
Having seen a command and a challenge, we now see a comparison. We are to live a life of love, and this is what it looks like – “as Christ also loved us“. That’s an illustration with inspiration! Nothing should excite us more than thinking about the greatness of His love for us. And nothing should encourage us more to love others. How can we fail to love those for whom Christ died? The Bible explains and Christ exemplifies what it means to live a life of love and we don’t have the right to redefine it. Simply put, it is to “walk in love as Christ also loved us, and hath given himself for us”. True love is the choice to give ourselves unto others to meet their needs, although they do not deserve it. – HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
