Read Ephesians 5:1-2.
Discover
1. Why are we urged to imitate God?
2. What actions define Christ’s love for us, according to verse 2?
3. In what areas of our lives are we encouraged to show this kind of love?
Respond
All week long, we’ve seen Jesus expressing love that welcomes, sees, comforts, and challenges. Today we read about the pinnacle of Jesus’ love. A love that defines our identity and our future. A love we don’t deserve but He gave sacrificially and without condition. Jesus loved us enough to die for us, adopt us, and graft us into His family.
Because of His sacrifice, we have the opportunity to walk in His way of agape love, to sacrifice our wants, needs, and desires for the sake of another. Our world desperately needs to see real, sacrificial love. God made us and loved us to do precisely that.
Where in your life are you struggling to sacrifice your desires for the sake of someone else? Is there a relationship that needs the power of Jesus’ love expressed through you? Spend some time thanking God for the sacrifice Jesus made on your behalf. Ask Him to reveal where you can show that same kind of love, and commit to take a step today to do so.
Want to go deeper? Watch this video for more on what agape love means, how Jesus demonstrated it throughout His life, and how you can express it to others.
*TPCC does not necessary endorse all “Want to go deeper” sources. They are simply meant to be a helpful tool.