Imitate God

“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.”Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

If the Jews of the time read the first sentence without the rest, how would they interpret it. God had been determinedly harsh at times; appearing vindictive even. Yet the second sentence calls us to order. Jesus had lived on earth and had shown a different way. Jesus as opposed to God the Father would appear a dichotomy. Yet Jesus said, “ he who has seen me has seen the Father”. Would this have created some tension? If I were a Jew ‘yes’. However, this was primarily written to Greeks. They only knew the God Paul spoke about and that God was Jesus.

Jesus did exemplify love. He loved us so much that He gave His life for us as a ransom. He bought back Satan’s control over us and gave us freedom. Whilst this freedom from sin was made, we have to daily appropriate it by faith and not mess with it though self-righteous acts.

Faith is given to us as a gift, we do not have it naturally, not faith in God that is.  So, let’s be grateful! Amen!