“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)
Today's scripture calls us to follow God’s example and walk in the way of love. Jesus Christ, through His ultimate sacrifice, demonstrated the highest form of love. His life was a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God, pleasing and acceptable. It echoes the Old Testament sacrifices that were pleasing to God, such as the burnt offerings described in Leviticus, which were a sweet aroma to the Lord. However, Jesus’ sacrifice did something those other offerings could never do–healing the rift of sin between humanity and God, reconciling us to the Father.
Micah 6:8 clearly outlines how we can live out this love. We are called to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. These actions are tangible expressions of love. Acting justly means standing up for what is right and fair. Loving mercy involves showing compassion and kindness. Walking humbly requires us to live with a sense of humility and dependence on God.
For example, consider the life of Dr. Paul Farmer, a renowned physician and humanitarian who co-founded Partners In Health. Dr. Farmer dedicated his life to providing medical care to the world’s poorest communities. His work in Haiti, Rwanda, and other countries brought healing and hope to countless individuals. Dr. Farmer’s selfless service, driven by love and compassion, was a modern-day fragrant offering to God. Following Christ’s commandment, his actions were pleasing and fragrant offerings to the Father and a testament to living out the way of love.
In John 13:34-35, Jesus gives us a new commandment to love one another as He has loved us. This love is the hallmark of our discipleship. Through our love for one another, the world will know we are His disciples. This commandment ties back to Christ's sacrificial love, urging us to love selflessly and sacrificially.
As we meditate on these scriptures, let us ask ourselves:
How can we walk in love in our daily interactions?
In what ways can our lives be a fragrant offering to God?
Are we acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God?
How can we better demonstrate our love for one another as Christ has loved us?
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the perfect example of love demonstrated by Jesus Christ. Help us to walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us. May our lives be a fragrant offering to You, pleasing and acceptable. Teach us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with You. Fill our hearts with Your love so we may love one another as Christ has loved us. By our love, may the world know that we are Your disciples. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
Comentários