Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.
(Ephesians 5:1-2, NASB)
Walk in love. A continual, deliberate action.
Love as Jesus loves, giving ourselves to others just as Jesus gave Himself for us.
And why?
Well, first, because we’re commanded to do so as God’s children. But there’s a better blessing for us when we love as Jesus does.
Our love for others is given as an offering to God. And sometimes it is a sacrifice. When we love as Jesus loves us, we offer a “fragrant aroma” to God. And He is well-pleased.
When we love, we “are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing …” (2 Cor. 2:15). Others look at us and see how God’s love flows through us. A love that is kind and patient and forbearing. A love that doesn’t hold grudges and isn’t jealous. (See 1 Cor. 13:4-7.)
How many people might be attracted to Jesus because they see a sacrificial, other-serving love in us? Instead of judgment, they see mercy. Instead of anger, they see peace. Instead of hate, they see love.
As I wrote Saturday, it could change the world.
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