Ephesians 5:1-21 (Walk in Love)

Ephesians 5:1-21

In the beginning of this section we see Paul telling his audience to be imitators of God and to walk in love as Christ loved them. Paul then spends the next several verses warning against sexual impurity and idolatry. He warns the believers at Ephesus to stay away from the people who are caught up in that and to not follow in their way of doing things. He reminds them that at one time they were darkness, but because of Christ they have been made light. He says that whatever is hidden when brought into the light becomes as the light. He pleads with them to walk in a wise manner, making the best use of the time given to them, because the days are evil. He tells them to not be foolish but to understand the will of the Lord. He inserts here a line or two about not getting drunk on wine. And he concludes by telling them to get together and praise God, singing songs, hymns and spiritual songs, to give thanks to Jesus Christ, and to submit to one another in reverence to Christ.

"And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony." Colossians 3:14

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." John 13:34

"For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died." Romans 14:15

I think what I will take from this passage at this time would be the command to walk in love. I am beginning to notice a theme about loving others. I wonder if the Ephesian believers were being elitist or were not loving their brothers as they should. Whatever the reason why Paul says what he says, I think it is something that is very applicable to the church today. We need to be willing to forgive, and we need to be loving one another and building each other up. We seem to have a bad habit today of tearing each other down, when in fact we should be building each other up to good works for the Lord. May I today start to be by brothers and sisters up and walk in the love that Christ showed to me on the Cross.

LORD, help me today to walk in love. Help me to remember the greatest love with which you loved me, and may I pour that out to the best of my ability on my fellow man. God teach me how to love like you love me. Amen.