TODAY’S SCRIPTURE Ephesians 5
You know your children really love you when they will share their favorite dessert with you. Often our kids struggle in the area of sharing. And as much as we hate to admit it, adults do too. Many times, it is because we love ourselves more than we love the other person. As love matures and increases, so does our willingness to share with those we love.
In Paul’s letter to the Ephesian church, he highlights God’s amazing grace and His powerful love. It is because of this love that we are:
Adopted – Ephesians 1:5
Blessed – Ephesians 1:3
Called – Ephesians 1:18
Dead/Alive – Ephesians 2:5
Exhorted – Ephesians 4:3
Forgiven – Ephesians 1:7
Given Grace – Ephesians 4:7
Held – Ephesians 4:16
Etc…
Alphabetically speaking, God’s love is the source of all that is good in our world. Throughout Ephesians we see these truths, but it is in chapter 5 that we see how His love begins to shape and transform the lives of His beloved.
It has been said that imitation is the highest form of flattery. As chapter five begins, Paul challenges us to live as loving children and imitate our Father. Love the things He loves. Love like He loves us. He continues that this love is not only to be learned but also to be lived out. God’s love is given not only to save, but to be shared. Walk in love as Christ loved. Live it out.
In contrast to the perfect love, he then reminds us of the lies and imitations that will try to ensnare us. In verses 3-12, we see the contrast between a light-loving life and a darkness-drenched despair. A major blessing in sharing the love of God is the world seeing the clear contrast between light and darkness.
Here Paul also paints a beautiful portrait of the love we are to have in our marriages, as we see the love of Christ. He lived out love in His selfless sacrifice for the church. Here God’s Spirit reveals another example of how God’s love is to impact us. It transforms the love we share with the lost, our spouses, our children, and even our coworkers. Can the people in your life see the love of your life?
Today, I will…look at the love that I’ve received from God and reflect on the amazing blessings that it includes. In turn, I will look for ways to share that love with others. Through my thoughts, my words, and my actions, Lord, may my life reflect Your amazing love.
