Our lives should always be grateful for that sacrifice that our Lord made for us. He gave Himself freely out of love and to save us from the coming wrath of the Almighty. The cross is not merely a historical event or a religious symbol; it is the clearest and most powerful demonstration of God’s love toward humanity. Through Christ’s sacrifice, we were reconciled to God, forgiven of our sins, and given access to eternal life.
The apostle Paul reminds us throughout his letters that salvation is not something we have earned, but something we have received by grace. Christ did not offer Himself because we deserved it, but because God is rich in mercy. This reality should move our hearts to deep gratitude and humility. When we truly understand the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice, our response cannot be indifference, but worship, obedience, and a transformed life.
Just as He has shown His love for us, let us also be people who carry love within our hearts. The love of Christ is not meant to remain as a theological concept, but to be lived out daily in our attitudes, words, and actions. Through this example, we can show those who do not know Him that His love is true and eternal. Genuine Christian love reflects the character of God and points others to the Gospel.
In a world marked by selfishness, hatred, and division, walking in love becomes a powerful testimony. The love that Scripture calls us to practice is not conditional or superficial, but sacrificial. It is a love that forgives when it is difficult, serves without expecting anything in return, and remains faithful even in adversity. This is the love that Christ modeled, and it is the love that should define His followers.
Let us walk in love, this is the message shown by the verse that we will see in chapter five of the letter to the Ephesians. Paul does not present love as an option, but as a command and a lifestyle that characterizes those who belong to Christ:
And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
Ephesians 5:2
This verse teaches us that the standard of our love is Christ Himself. We are not called to love according to our feelings or circumstances, but according to the example of Jesus. His love was active, intentional, and costly. He gave Himself completely, holding nothing back. In doing so, He became an offering and a sacrifice to God, pleasing and acceptable, fulfilling the will of the Father.
In this exhortation, we can see that Paul begins by reminding believers of their identity. Before calling them to walk in love, he encourages them to walk as children of light. This means living in a way that reflects the transformation that has taken place through salvation. As children of light, our lives should expose darkness, not participate in it, and should be guided by truth, righteousness, and holiness.
Walking as children of light naturally leads us to become imitators of Christ. To imitate Christ is not merely to admire Him, but to follow His example closely. This includes His humility, His compassion for the lost, His obedience to the Father, and His willingness to suffer for the sake of others. The Christian life is a continual process of learning to reflect Christ more clearly in every area of life.
And we all know that walking as imitators of Christ means rejecting anything dishonest or displeasing in the eyes of God. Paul makes it clear that love and holiness cannot be separated. True love does not excuse sin, nor does it compromise truth. Instead, it seeks what is best for others, even when that involves correction, discipline, or difficult conversations rooted in grace.
The apostle also warns against living carelessly or thoughtlessly. Walking in love requires wisdom and discernment. It means understanding God’s will and making choices that honor Him. Love is not passive; it is intentional and guided by God’s Word. When we allow Scripture to shape our values and decisions, our walk becomes pleasing to the Lord and beneficial to those around us.
Brothers, let us be wise in this path that has been entrusted to us. Paul tells us clearly that we must be faithful imitators of the Lord, walking in love and obedience. This walk is not always easy, but it is deeply meaningful. It brings glory to God and reflects the reality of the Gospel in our daily lives.
Therefore, let us take this advice seriously. Let us examine our hearts and ask whether our lives are marked by the love of Christ. Are we patient, kind, and forgiving? Are we willing to sacrifice our comfort for the good of others? Walking in love is a daily commitment, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and sustained by our relationship with God.
So, let us walk in love and be light in a dark world. May our lives testify to the transforming power of Christ’s sacrifice, and may others see through us that God’s love is real, active, and eternal.