Ephesians 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Paul had just built up this long, detailed case and painted this detailed picture of the Church as the Body and Building of Christ, which is an integral part of the plan of God. He spent all of chapter 4 calling on his readers to maintain its unity and integrity. Now, in two short verses, he gives a third a most powerful illustration to reinforce his call: the Church is the family of God. He is our Father. He has paid the greatest price possible for us. Christ, with His willing and sacrificial love gave Himself for us. Since God the Father and the Son have loved us so much to make us part of the Family, we should demonstrate the same love to the rest of the Family. We are to mimic - not in a joking or sarcastic way - but in a manner that is the sincerest form of honor and respect, following God's example toward us: sacrificial love.
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