Ephesians 5:1-2

Biblical, Christ-like love is not a feeling, it is the choice we make to move toward others with acts of goodness and kindness that is for their benefit and with no motive of getting something back in return. And just like Jesus’ love for us was marked by radical personal sacrifice, our choosing to love others will always require personal sacrifice. So, Christians are people who set aside personal agendas and adopt a Kingdom agenda. When we choose to love, it will cost us the sacrifice of many things: time, convenience, resources, sometimes reputation. And it will require us to die to many things: pride, prejudice, selfishness. But it is so worth it!! To be a conduit of Christ’s love in ways that bless and encourage and build up others is what we were made for, saved for. It is the real definition of freedom in Christ!

PASSAGE: Ephesians 5:1-2 - "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

PAUSE: The Apostle Paul wanted the church in Ephesus to apply the Gospel in their everyday lives. He commanded them to imitate God’s love or to live out the Gospel. When we give up our rights and live sacrificially, we mimic God. 

PRAYER: Father, I want to give up my rights and live a sacrificial life, but it is hard. Give me the courage and boldness to live out the Gospel and love others.