Today's Verse: Ephesians 5:1-2

Thursday, January 7, 1954

Be imitators of God as dearly loved children and live a life 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

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. If we are to sincerely flatter God by being like him, imitation may be the most costly form of flattery as well. You see, love for God is never something that occurs just in our minds or our hearts. Love is something we do for another - it is action. John said in 1 John 1:4 that we must love in both our deeds and our words. Love means to give ourselves up - what we want, our rights, our desires - to honor God and serve others. This is a kind of love that can change the world, or a marriage, or a family.

My Prayer...

Abba Father, I will never fully understand how you could love me so much that you would allow your son to die for me, as my sacrifice. Please help me love others sacrificially. I know the power to do this is not within me, so please pour your love into my heart so that I may share that love with others. Through Jesus, my brother and my sacrifice, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

8 Related Resources by Heartlight

Ephesians 5:1-2
Devo: Daily Wisdom
"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and...."
Living Love in Real Life with Real People
Devo: Together in Christ
"Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He..."
Live a Life of Love
Illustration of Ephesians 5:1-2
Inspirational illustration of Ephesians 5:1-2 -- Be imitators of God as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Let God Love You!
Article by Max Lucado
Do more than try to hang onto love. Let's God's love Hang on to you! Max Lucado reminds us to accept and receive the love God longs to give us.
See All 8 Related Resources about Ephesians 5:1-2

Illustration

Illustration of Ephesians 5:1-2 — Be imitators of God as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, January 7, 1954

Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Lies and Deceit Hinder Relationship with God'
"I will look for trustworthy people so I can live with them in the land. Only those who live innocent lives will be my servants. No one who is..."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'No One Knows!' (Mt. 24:36-41)
"[Jesus continued:] "However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'They Can't Prove What They Are Saying!'
"[After Tertullus presented the charges against Paul,] the governor then motioned for Paul to speak. Paul said, "I know, sir, that you have been a..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Spiritual Resources' (Ep. 6:17-18)
"Dear Father, my resource for everything, Help me make full use of your spiritual resources given to me. Help me destroy evil through the power of..."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse