Ephesians 5:1-2, “Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
What does it mean for you to be an imitator of God? What does that look like to you? I have been asking myself that question all week. What steps do I need to take, as a follower of Christ, to then be a better and graceful emulator of God’s ways, in showing love to others better? What else is needed?
Paul didn’t say, “Think about God” or “Analyze how God is to be admired.” No, he called us to practical action steps to take, going beyond our natural tendencies and reactive styles and leadership voices. We are to be loving, humble, forgiving unconditionally, truthful, showing kindness, and not to sin when giving in to anger, in being imitators of God’s holiness in all of our conduct as we submit to the Holy Spirit’s influence in our lives.
I need to remind myself how important it is to show compassion and appreciation to others when it is not my natural reaction during heated communication times of disagreement on topics of conversation. Each one of us can be right and yet wrong at the same time. I need to have more patience and not overthink things. I also need to take time each day to encourage someone who doesn’t necessarily deserve it and show undeserved forgiveness., which is the supreme evidence of God’s love. That would be becoming an imitator of God and reflecting His character better. That is where I need growth. What is your area you need to grow in being an imitator of God?
Don’t you relish when someone shows kindness to you or your children? Paul had just stated to the church at Ephesus in Ephe. 4:32 that they needed to be kind to one another. Showing kindness requires being sensitive to others’ feelings and not holding grudges because you forgive quickly, just as God has forgiven you. Matthew 5:7 declares, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”
Falling into passive-aggressiveness, during times of stress, would be squelched when truly being an imitator of God. Our thoughts and behavior should always be guided by this vision.
When you feel like you need a much deserved time out, a time to think and re-evaluate things, focus on all God has done for you, taking time to slow down and recalibrate your mind and heart with His. Then we can say to others, “God did something in my life, and I have to tell you about it!”
The Message version says it this way of Ephe. 5:1-2, “Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.”
Listen to Kari Jobe and Codi Karnes, song The Blessing (Lyrics), 3/18/2020.