Follow God’s Example
“1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 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.
3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said:
“Wake up, sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.””
Today’s passage emphasizes the call to imitate God, which is ultimately about walking in love. God, our Creator, did not abandon us in sin but saved us through His great sacrifice. Because of this, we must never doubt His love but, as His beloved children, strive to reflect His character in our daily lives.
However, the world is filled with deceptions, and the ruler of the air seeks to mislead us in many ways. As believers, we must not partake in these influences but instead guard ourselves against distorted forms of love—such as greed, immorality, and corrupt speech. Instead, we are called to bear the fruit of the light: goodness, righteousness, and truth. To do this, we must allow the light of the Holy Spirit to illuminate our hearts. When Christ’s light works within us, we awaken from sin and step into true life.
This life of light deepens through prayer. Prayer is not just a time to pour out our complaints but a moment to seek God’s light and strength, surrendering our inner selves to Him. Through prayer, our weak and broken love is healed, and we increasingly become like God, living as beacons of His light. May our lives and our church be filled with God’s light, experiencing His abundant life.
Prayer: Lord, we praise You for granting us a new day in Your grace, healing our weaknesses, and renewing us with the light of holiness. Shine Your light into the deepest parts of our hearts, bringing complete healing and restoration. Help us to reflect Your love in our lives, and may Your grace fill our church and our daily walk so that we bear the fruits of love. Amen.
(Note: This summary was created based on an AI draft.)