Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 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.

Ephesians 5:1-2

This morning, sitting down at my computer to work on a variety of projects, I find myself “dry” when it comes to any devotional thoughts I want to share. Not so much writer’s block as spiritual block. I just can’t get into that frame of mind.

So I turned to my Bible Gateway App, to read the suggested “verse of the day.” And this is where the discipline part of being a disciple comes into play. I don’t need to wait to “feel all spiritual” and then connect with God’s good word, I can initiate the connection regardless. Faith is not about feelings so much as about practice. When I remember that important truth I am on more solid ground.

The Text:

The text from Ephesians 5 suggests the beautiful idea of “walking in the way of love.” Not thinking, not talking (although both have their place), but walking. Putting one foot in front of the other and simply living love out loud.

I really like the explanation the Ephesians writer has for this, the backstory: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light – for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth.”

Here, then, are two very simple questions in response to this good word from Ephesians:

• What does it look like to walk in the way of love?
• What does it look like to live as Children of Light?

The Apostle Paul suggests that walking in love is all about giving ourselves up for others. And he writes that living as children of light looks like goodness, righteousness, and truth.

Yet again, we see that our marching orders as Christians are all about light, and love, and grace, and giving ourselves away. And we see – consistently – that the evidence of God’s work is the presence of goodness, kindness, gentleness, mercy, grace, love, and light.

People come to know the goodness and the light and the love of God when they see it in action. It’s not about “correct” doctrine, or following a particular denomination’s rules, or denouncing people for whatever sin du jour we happen to be angry about at the moment.

Instead, this is how we are instructed: “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love…”

Thanks once again for the devotional prompt, Bible Gateway – DEREK