And Walk In Love

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 savor.

Ephesians 5:2

What is the outgrowth of being ‘imitators of God?’  In summary, it is to ‘walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us.’ How does this look?  All of the sins which Paul listed in the verses of chapter 4, lying, anger with sin, stealing, corrupt speaking, bitterness, wrath, slander, and maliciousness share a common characteristic.  They all have root in selfishness.  By contrast, Christ, Who is the Grand Pattern for our behavior, demonstrated what it means to ‘walk in love’ by living and dying in utter selflessness.   Christ came into the world for others, lived for others, served others, died for others, rose for others and now intercedes for others.  This is the sweeping panoramic view of what it means to ‘walk in love.’  When we look to Christ, we see in His everyday behavior the example of the spirit of love, which we desire to become our spirit as well.  This will manifest itself in every area of life, at home and abroad.  For us to walk in love will not mean that we sacrifice truth, but that even in the speaking of it, we will seek to do so in love.  As we observe the evident character and behavior of Christ and contemplate Him, we will begin to understand what it means to ‘walk in love.’

Our Loving, Gracious God,
we rejoice that in showing us Christ,
You have shown us what it means to walk in love.
We praise You that by Your Holy Spirit,
You will teach us to walk as Christ does.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning