“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” (Ephesians 5:1-2, NKJV)

Just as children follow the example of their parents, so Christians must follow the example of their heavenly Father. One way of imitating God is to have a forgiving spirit. The way we imitate our Lord is to act just as he did.

In the Old Testament the offering of a sacrifice pleased the Lord so much that it was described as a “soothing aroma,” “a sweet savor unto the Lord.” If God accepted the offering of a sacrifice and is pleased with it, in the same way, he accepts the person who offered it. The sacrificial way Jesus expressed his love for us is not only the means of salvation but also an example of the way we are to live for the sake of others.

The challenge for us Christians then is to turn our love from mere words into self-sacrifice, just as Christ’s love did.

Sources:

MySword for Android. Riversoft Ministry, 2011-2019.

Olive Tree Bible Sofware, 1998-2020.

Zondervan NASB Study Bible. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1999.

http://www.biblegateway.com

Published by Pastorbluejeans Unplugged

Friend of a Jewish Carpenter. View all posts by Pastorbluejeans Unplugged