Reflection: Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you… Ephesians 5:1-2a
Response: To imitate God means to reproduce or copy His way, His character, and who He is. How do we imitate or follow God’s example? We follow. We copy who He is and what He does. We must be like Him in all things. What did He do? He demonstrated His love towards us in that while we were yet sinners, He died for us.
Regardless of the circumstances, whether good or bad, whether pleasant or unpleasant, we must consistently present ourselves or behave in a manner that exhibits love. I Corinthians 13 describes love as patience, forgiveness, longsuffering, gentleness, kindness, and humility. Accordingly, to “have love,” we must demonstrate these qualities in our daily walk.
These characteristics, by definition, need a recipient. One cannot express patience unless one is patient with someone or something. Forgiveness calls for forgiving someone. In essence, love requires that we move outside of ourselves and seeks to address the needs of others. Not only does Christ love us, but He gave Himself up for us. He put aside His physical pain and discomfort to draw us into a relationship with Him despite our weaknesses, sin, and iniquity.
The authentic love of God flowing through us constrains our conduct. In our obedience to His Word, we “put up” with each other by laying aside bitterness, wrath, anger, and pride as we interact. By the strength of His love saturating our character and personality, we endure all things, believe all things, and hope all things.
Live exceptionally- in balance, freedom, and rest. ™ Are you imitating God’s love? In what areas of your attitude, character, and conduct do you struggle? Who is God calling you to love better? Or to forgive? Pray this week for God to show you where He wants you to be more like Him and then follow.
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