Walk in love, even as Christ also loved us and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling fragrance. Ephesians 5:2 WEB
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is full of instructions on how to live a Christian life and walk in love. Forsaking worldly things, Paul instructs Christians to live in the Spirit, honoring God at all times. He denounces specific things like crude speech, sexual immorality and wasting time. He asserts that no immoral, greedy, or impure person will take part in the kingdom of heaven.
The Character of Jesus
Paul goes so far as to say that it is shameful to even mention what disobedient people do in secret, adding that things exposed to light become visible “and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.” Paul is encouraging followers of Christ to fully express the character of Jesus, living properly as children of God. The apostle instructs the faithful to be wise and make the most of every moment they have.
The few words we read in Ephesians 5:2 teach us these things. First, Christ is love and we are to live by his example and walk in love. Next, Christ was given up on our behalf and finally, the offering and sacrifice made to God through the blood of Jesus Christ pleased the Father as a sweet-smelling fragrance. We are no longer bound to offer sacrifice in the temple for sin as in Jewish law but are bound to Christ.
Prayer: “Father God, praise your holy name. Thank you for loving me. Help me to walk in love. Search my heart and convict me of anything that is offensive to you. Illuminate my faults and turn them to light so that I can live in your will a life that is pleasing and productive for your cause. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Found in Him
