LOOKS LIKE LOVE
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 (NIV)
Think about someone you know whose kindness seems to come naturally. Maybe they are the first to notice when someone is excluded, or they quietly step in to help when needs arise, or they offer grace when everyone else criticizes. Being around this type of person has a way of making you want to be more intentional about how you treat other people. Their actions remind you that love isn't just something we talk about; it's something we demonstrate.
In Ephesians, Paul calls us to follow God's example and walk in the way of love. Our pursuit of holiness begins with our identity. We are not striving to become good enough to earn God's love; we are responding to the love He has already lavished on us. Jesus, the ultimate example of love, gave Himself up for us. He demonstrated His love through sacrifice; He served when others expected to be served, showed compassion to those whom other people overlooked, gave up His own comforts for the comfort of others and willingly laid down His life for us. He loves us enough to carry our burdens and pursue our hearts.
If we are going to follow Christ's example, our love must become more than a feeling or a collection of words. It must be demonstrated in the way we live. Sometimes love looks like forgiveness when we would rather hold onto an offense. Sometimes it means listening patiently when we are tired, speaking truth when silence is easier, or serving someone who may never thank us. These ordinary moments often reveal whether we are truly becoming more like Jesus. Ask Him to teach you to love as He loves. You may discover that His way of love challenges your comfort, confronts your selfishness, and calls you to surrender your own preferences. Don't resist that work. He is shaping your heart to look more like His. As we become more like Jesus, His love should become increasingly evident in us.
APPLICATION: Consider one relationship in which God may be calling you to demonstrate Christlike love. Is there someone you need to forgive, encourage or serve?
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for loving me so completely. Forgive me for the times I have chosen comfort or selfishness over love. Teach me to love sacrificially, even when it is difficult, so that others may see more of You in me. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?