Walking in Love
And walk in love as Christ loved us. (Eph. 5:2)
Eph. 5:1-10 and 15, 3:14-19; Ps. 26:3, 86:11; Matt. 5:16, John 8:12; I John 1:7, III John 3, 4
What Is God Saying?
Ephesians was probably intended for reading in many churches of Asia Minor. It is named Ephesians because, of all these communities, Ephesus was the most important. It was like a magnet that drew attention and interest from other areas. In some versions, it is addressed ‘to the saints who are at Ephesus and are faithful,’ but from most ancient translations, the name of Ephesus is missing. There are none of the usual personal greetings, yet Paul had many friends there.
Chapters 1-3 speak of God's eternal plan and purpose and they validate the urgency of Paul's missi0n to the Gentile world which he refers to as ‘the stewardship of God's grace’ (3:11). Then the following chapters 4-6, speak of what Christians must do because of God's grace. Our goal is to learn and to do what is pleasing to the Lord (5: 10). Our text is found in the portion of the letter that stresses God's love-in-action through believers.
How Does This Apply To Us?
Ephesians is a letter that combines what is possibly Paul's greatest prayer (Eph 3:14-19) with Paul's greatest call to action (Eph 5), ‘Walk in love' and ‘Walk in the light.’ This way we declare who we are and what we stand for. ‘Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven’ (Matt. 5:16). Set aside this day to walk in love. This is the power that lies in that great verse, that wonderful discovery, that blessed truth, ‘He who loses his life for my sake will find it.’
Pray With Me
Lord, the life of a Christian is a walk. At times You summon us ‘to mount up with wings as eagles.’ At other times, we have before us a race that needs to be run with patience. Then there are times when, in Your wisdom and mercy, we are just to lie down for rest ‘in green pastures.’ And when we rest, we get up to walk again. To follow You is to walk. Today, knowing my weaknesses and limitations, I will walk as You expect and as You direct.
I would walk in love. I remember how Jesus loved. I recall His gentle way with children. I remember His forgiving way with those who sinned and His patient way with those who did not understand. I would walk in love. I reach out to touch the one who is hurt so that in the Spirit of Jesus their pain may be relieved. I draw near to those who feel rejected that by His caring Presence, they may feel important again.
I am brave enough to speak the truth for the sake of love when being silent would be easier and more convenient. I let love suggest my thoughts and form my plans and move my hands and direct my feet when it would be easier and more convenient to sit a bit and let my mind wander. Love will be my source of strength and my one chief desire. I will talk in love as Christ loved. I will walk as He commands and follow as He leads and love as He loves. I will draw upon His promised strength. I will love beyond my capacity and endurance.
This I pray in the Spirit and for the sake of Him whose strength is made perfect in my weakness. Amen.
Moving On In The Life of Prayer
Let agape love or giving ourselves for the good of others, be the principal ingredient in our prayers. That is the heart of prayer, the joy of prayer, and the power of prayer. Let the Light of God's truth illuminate all the paths of prayer. Prayer is at its best when truth and love are inseparably mingled. Paul said, ‘Look carefully how you walk’ (Eph. 5:15). Could we not add, think prayerfully how you will walk, for His sake?
