In Love

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Ephesians 4:2

What does it mean to do something ‘in love?’  In context, the Apostle Paul is begging the Ephesians to ‘walk worthy,’ of the calling with which they were called.  He has gone further to delineate qualities, which are elements of this worthy walk.  Humility, gentleness, patience and forbearance are all qualities which Christ exhibited during His earthly life and ministry.  Love is the overarching motivation which brings all these qualities to the fore.  God is love and Christ is God.  Therefore, when Christ practically demonstrates these qualities in real situations, He is acting in love.  The whole of His earthly incarnation, the purpose of which was to serve and to give His life a ransom for many, demonstrates that all the qualities He possesses and the way in which He does, is out of the motivation of pure love.  Thus Christ becomes our true north for guidance in our interactions within every context.  By looking to Christ we come to understand how all these qualities translate into real-time action.  They become much more than mere ideas.  As the Spirit works within us, He leads us in the imitation of Christ to do what we do ‘in love.’

Our Glorious Living Christ,
we rejoice that You have shown us, by Your actions,
how to live in love.
We praise You that by Your Holy Spirit,
You will conform us into Your image.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning