"Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 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 sweet-smelling savour." Ephesians 5:1-2
Our pastor usually walks around the church praying before the service, and often, we see his grandson walking in his footsteps. The pastor also makes a unique gesture with his hand when he is preaching or worshiping. Recently, I noticed the grandson doing the same thing when the children were on the platform singing on Family Sunday, Children imitate the actions of those they love.
In this verse in Ephesians, Paul admonishes the church to walk in love and in the footsteps of Jesus. I like how the Amplified Bible expresses it: "Therefore be imitators of God - copy Him and follow His example - as well-beloved children (imitate their father)."
When Jesus was here on earth, He spent time teaching His disciples. By spoken word and by His example, He showed them what it meant to love God. He was preparing them for their ministry after He was gone.
John 13:34-35 "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
After Jesus ascended into Heaven, as the disciples began to preach the Gospel with boldness, others recognized them as being followers of Jesus.
Act 4:13 "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus."
Jesus loved us so much that He was willing to die to redeem us from sin. What a privilege and high calling it is to know such love. As we let His Holy Spirit take control of our lives, we seek to imitate Him in every aspect of our lives. His love will overflow to those around us.
This week, let us look at the attributes of Jesus that He wants us to manifest to the world, so that they may see His love.
Thought For Today: Does the world see Jesus as they look at me?
Devotion by: Anne Johnston