Ephesians 5:2 …and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Today we get a lesson in walking in the way of love. It is among many lessons that we will have this month that give us the chance to explore how we can love others. So what does it mean to walk in love?
Paul calls believers to walk in love by actively imitating Christ’s sacrificial, unconditional love. It defines Christian living as an ongoing action based on Jesus’s willingness to give everything for others. It implies a lifestyle or continuous, habitual action—not just a fleeting feeling we experience all willy nilly.
He goes on to tell us HOW we can walk in love consistently. Christians are challenged to move beyond cautious love to a more extravagant love that does not seek personal gain, but rather gives of itself for others. We love others just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us. It highlights His sacrifice on the cross, showing that real love requires selflessness and suffering. He gave His life on the cross so that we could live out His commands and love others.
Paul uses terminology that describes this love as a sweet-smelling aroma that pleases God. Our actions, our behaviors, our demonstration of love – all of our actions towards others become a form of worship. And from that, God is pleased. He finds pleasure in our obedience to His Word and His commands. It is a sweet-smelling aroma to Him.
Paul instructs believers to base their interactions on Jesus’s sacrifice, treating others with the same selfless, sacrificial love that He demonstrated. Are you doing that currently? Are you showing them selfless love or making sacrifices for them? That is what you and I have been called to. We must set aside all selfishness and follow His example, loving sacrificially and wholly.
Prayer: Lord, Help me to walk in love as I live out a life that offers You a sweet-smelling aroma. I want to love others like You do. Love them through me. Amen
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