Introduction

‘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

The Holy Spirit through John was unequivocal when He declares: ‘God is love!’ It is impossible for us therefore to claim to know God and to walk with Him without love. God loves the world so much that He gave His Only Son so that we can be saved by believing in His Son. Christ loved us so much that He gave Himself for us.

The Holy Spirit teaches us through Paul that God demonstrates His own love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Paul described the Christians in Rome as ‘all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be His holy people,’ Romans 1:7. Again, he says to the Romans: ‘and hope does not put to shame because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us,’ Romans 5:5.

To those in Ephesus, Paul commands: ‘Follow God’s example as dearly loved children and walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.’ Ephesians 5:2.

As God’s people, we cannot walk with Him, without love. We must love God with our all. We must love one another, and we must love the people Christ died for, for they matter to God.

The love we have for people should not only propel us to take the gospel to them, but also to demonstrate what it means to be Christians. The people of the world will know that we are Christians by our love!

‘Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves.’ Romans 12:9-10

Prayer

Thank You Father for loving and saving us. Help us to love You genuinely and to love one another sincerely. May the love we show to others help them to come to know You and Christ, whom You sent.