Be Imitators of God
"Be imitators of God (copy Him and follow His example) as well-beloved
children (imitate their father). And walk in love, (esteeming and delighting
in one another) as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a slain
offering and sacrifice to God (for you, so that it became) a sweet
fragrance." (Ephesians 5:1-2 AMP)
God is love and, as His children, we are called to live a life of love. The
Holy Spirit dwells in us, therefore we are empowered by God's Spirit to walk
in love. God has poured His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit.
In order to walk in love, we must know what love is. The thirteenth chapter
of First Corinthians tells us about God's agape love. "Love is patient,
love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not
rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of
wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always
protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." (1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NIV)
When we start believing and receiving God's love, we will experience His
presence and love. Then we can start giving out God's love to those around
us. As children of our heavenly Father, we have no choice but to love. Jesus
told us that the two greatest commandments are to love God and to love
others. Loving God is putting His will before our own. We should continually
reach out to those around us with God's love, because we are called to be
His witnesses.
Part of walking in love is loving ourselves. We need to know God's love for
us and stop comparing ourselves to others. When we realize that God loves us
just the way we are, even when we mess up, then we can love ourselves and
others when they mess up.
Love is the most powerful force in the universe and should be the first
priority of every child of God. We should allow God's love to flow through
us. It's not enough to love the people who treat us kindly. God says for us
to love everyone, even those who intentionally hurt us. We will be like our
heavenly Father when we love those who oppose us. We are told to pray for
them, bless them, and do good to them.
Satan will bring opposition from every direction to get us out of the love
of God. We become open targets for him to attack us when we get outside the
protection of God's love. We need to run to God when we get hurt and choose
to forgive as an act of faith because Satan is our real enemy and not
people. God will comfort and heal us. He will work everything out for the
best as we rely on Him. We can close the door to Satan through forgiveness
and remaining in God's love.
It is only by walking in love that we can have an intimate relationship with
our heavenly Father. As we spend time with Him in prayer and in His word, we
should ask Him to fill us with His unconditional love. In order to
experience all that God has planned for us, it is absolutely vital that we
keep the commandment of love in our thoughts, words and actions. By making
God our number one priority and continually living a life of love, we can
stay connected to Him twenty- four hours a day.
When we do mess up, and we will, we need to be quick to repent and get back
in God's love. We are learning to live a life of love. Our heavenly Father
is patient with us. He does not want us to become discouraged or give up. He
will grow us up into His Image as we stay close to Him.
God will bless, defend and protect us as we give the commandment of love
first place in our lives. He wants us to know Him intimately, grow
spiritually and live victoriously. Living a life of love will produce the
abundant life that Jesus came to give us.
Pray this:
Heavenly Father, I want to live the life of love that You have called me to
live and I want to be Your witness. I yield myself to You and ask You to
fill my heart with love for You and all people. I pray that You will grow me
up into Your Image.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Pat Gray
patclaygray@yahoo.com
129 Ball Drive, Calhoun City, MS 38916