The Example of God

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 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.”- Ephesians 5:1-2 

 

“A firm knowledge of God’s love and of one’s place in His family motivates the self-sacrifice necessary for Christian life.”^{[Asbury Study Bible]}

          Ephesians is a letter that has been identified as one Paul wrote from prison. Imagine yourself sitting in a dank prison cell, perhaps by yourself, perhaps with other prisoners. How much joy and peace would you have? Would your faith in God carry you seeing as it was your faith in God and the pronouncement of your beliefs that got you incarcerated to begin with? Paul’s writings were plentiful in prison. He was sold out to the Lord and knew who He was in Christ. He was redeemed from death. He was chosen by God to proclaim His word wherever he was led. He was a child of the King. Do we know who we truly are in Christ and what we have been saved from? Christ gave Himself for us. He willingly died for us all. 

Once we ask for forgiveness, we are free from our sins. We have entered into a relationship with God. What we choose to do with that relationship is up to us; however, we must realize that it will not grow without our participation. We are dearly loved by God. We are called to walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us. In this increasingly horrifying world in which we live, it is becoming more difficult to love those around us, yet how else will the world know God loves them. We have trouble loving fellow Christians, yet we are commanded to do that very thing in John 13:34-35. 

In John’s gospel are these words from Jesus: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” We are told by Paul to follow God’s example. If God has either asked or told us to do something, you better believe He has empowered us to do it. His Holy Spirit resides in you if you are in relationship with Him. The Holy Spirit is your guide. He will show you where to go, what to do, what to say when the time is right. We must understand who we are and whose we are. Nothing this world has to offer us even remotely compares to the majesty of our God and future He has planned for His children. Are you willing to follow His example? Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Note: “… the Ephesians, who, having been in time past idolatrous heathens, were now converted to Christianity and received into covenant with God, which he illustrates from a view of their deplorable state before their conversion (in) Ephesians 1:1-3:21.” [Matthew Henry’s Commentary]