Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer

June 9: Ecclesiastes 10-12; Psalm 94; Ephesians 5

Scripture: Ephesians (NIV) 5:1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children
2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
3. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people….

Observation: We best imitate God by loving. We are to be more than just people who love, but lovers. More than just people who love in response to love received, more than just people who love when it is easy, more than just people who love the lovely. We are to be lovers, lovers of God, lovers of our brothers and sisters, lovers of those who mistreat us, lovers of the world (in the John 3:16 sense), and lovers of the unlovely.
The best example for us to imitate is that of Jesus Christ who loved us while we were yet sinners. His love cost, not others, but Himself. He loved to the point of great personal sacrifice. That is what we are to imitate–His holy love!

Application: I am to love “just as Christ loved” me. Jesus tells me to love, but he also shows me how to love. He wants to express His holy love through me.

Prayer: Lord, to love like you, I need your help. Thank you for living in me and never leaving me. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!