Today's Verse: Ephesians 5:1-2

Friday, January 7, 1966

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.
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. If we are to sincerely flatter God by being like him. Such 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 - love demonstrates itself by its actions. John said that we must love in both our deeds and our words (1 John 3:16-18). Love means to give ourselves up - what we want, our rights, our desires - to honor God and serve others (1 John 4:7-10). This sacrificial love can change a marriage, a family, a friendship, a fellowship of God's people, and ultimately the world! as dearly loved children, let's live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us!

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 the sacrifice for my sins against you. 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 through your Holy Spirit* so that I can share your love with others. Through Jesus, my brother, my sacrifice, my Savior and my Lord, I pray. Amen.

*Romans 5:5

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

8 Related Resources by Heartlight

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 Friday, January 7, 1966

A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are..."
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
"Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now..."
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
"What is the secret spot which infallibly betokens the child of God? It were vain presumption to decide this upon our own judgment; but God's word..."
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
"Dear Beloved, The Father loves you so much that He sent Me to your world to show you His love. The goal of God's love is your salvation —..."

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.