By Jessica Bordeleau
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Ephesians 5:1–2 ESV).
Have you ever seen children imitate their parents? Imagine a toddler dragging a purse along the floor as she shuffles across the house in high-heeled shoes. She wants to be “just like mommy.” Fast forward to adulthood and you can see a young woman using the same recipes and singing the same lullabies that she heard when she was young. Children may not even realize the things they learn from their parents. What began as imitation becomes a part of who they are.
As a forgiven child of God, love is a part of who you are. You are wholly and completely loved by your Creator. Your heavenly Father knows everything about you, even the stuff you’d like to hide. And he loves you anyway! His love is unconditional and transforming. Love that powerful can’t help but overflow into your words and actions:
We love because he first loved us (1 John 4:19 ESV).
When you love others, you are merely reflecting what God has done for you. It’s not your own light but his light of life that shines through you.
Jesus is the true source of light and love. He lived a life of love, serving the sick and poor. He died in love, unselfishly giving himself up by dying on the cross. Through his death and resurrection, all of your sins are forgiven. Every time you come to him in repentance, his love covers you and he forgives you again. He continues to serve you through his Word and strengthen you with his gifts. His love never ends!
As you strive to imitate Christ in the ways you show love to others, you will eventually come up short. Like a toddler wobbling on her mother’s high heels, you will fall. That won’t change God’s love for you or his ability to work through you! God reaches down and pulls you up, while the Holy Spirit guides you on. Your heavenly Father works despite your weaknesses. By his perfect love, you are continually renewed—all because of Jesus. His love shines through you and it becomes a part of who you are.
Prayer starter: Heavenly Father, you showed me ultimate love by sending Jesus to redeem me. Day by day, transform me by your love, especially as I struggle to imitate you in . . .
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