December 05, 2018: SOAP #3289:  Ephesians 5-6; Psalm 119:1-80

Scripture:  Ephesians (NIV) 5:1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Observation:   We are His children, His dearly loved children.  He takes joy in us.  And as a little child tries to imitate their parents, so we should set about imitating our Heavenly Father.

We best imitate God by loving.  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!

Application:  My love for God started as a response to the love He had for me.  He loved me before I knew to love Him.  He loved me before I knew how worthy He is of my love and devotion.

If I am going to imitate His love, my love needs to be offered to those around me who may not appreciate or even want my love.  I may need to make a sacrifice for them even while they reject me.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, I know you are pleased when you see me trying to imitate Your Son, Jesus.  Holy Spirit help me love others like Jesus loved me. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!