Today's Verse: Ephesians 5:1-2

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

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
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. So, if we are to sincerely flatter* God, we must choose to have the righteous character, gracious compassion, and faithful love and justice of God in our daily actions. 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; Philippians 2:1-10). 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!
* You may feel as I do that our goal is to honor, praise, and love God more than flattering Him.

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 (Romans 5:5) so that I can share your love with others. Through Jesus, my brother, my sacrifice, my Savior and my Lord, 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 Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'No Debt Except . . .' (Ro. 13:8-10)
"Dear Father, senior partner in my business, Help me get completely out of debt and stay out! Let me follow your word, "Owe no man anything! . . ...."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'So Ready to Forgive' (Ps. 86:5)
"O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Danger! Danger!' (2 Co. 11:3-4)
"But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For...."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Nuggets of Truth'
"Dear Friend, The verses below come from a very contentious time when the religious leaders were trying to trick Me into a religious trap so they..."

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