Walking in Love
Today's scripture reading is taken from:
Ephesians 5:2 (NIV) ~ "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.”
Nowadays, love is often misunderstood or taken for granted. We see love portrayed in various forms, yet the essence of true, sacrificial love is sometimes lost amidst the noise. Ephesians 5:2 calls us to '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.
Walking in love means living a life characterised by love in action, just as Jesus demonstrated. Christ's love was selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. He gave Himself up for us, not because we deserved it, but because His love knew no bounds.
Think of the struggles we face in our relationships today. Misunderstandings test marriages, disagreements strain friendships, and impatience and judgment mar interactions with strangers. Walking in love challenges us to rise above these pain points and reflect Christ’s love in every interaction.
Walking in love also means making sacrifices. In a world that often promotes self-interest, we are called to put others' needs above ours. This could mean sacrificing time to help a friend in need, offering forgiveness even when it's hard, or simply showing kindness to someone who doesn’t expect it. These small acts of love reflect Christ's sacrificial love and can profoundly impact those around us.
Another crucial aspect of walking in love is forgiveness. Holding onto grudges or past hurts can hinder our ability to love fully. Forgiveness doesn’t mean someone has to be invited to your table. Forgiveness doesn’t change the other person, BUT it changes you! It’s hard to forgive someone, so it must be a daily sacrifice. This doesn't mean forgetting the hurt but letting go of the bitterness and allowing God's love to heal our hearts.
Christ's love teaches us to forgive as He has forgiven us.
Walking in love requires intentionality. Start your day with a prayer asking God to fill your heart with His love and to guide your interactions. Look for opportunities to show love in your daily routines, whether it's a kind word, a helping hand, or a listening ear. Remember, even the smallest act of love can make a significant difference.
Thank you again for joining us on today’s episode of “Mornings with Stephen Johnsy Podcast.”
Remember, you can connect with us on Instagram. The account is @morningswithstephenjohnsy.
Be encouraged today, friends, and remember that the journey is easier when we walk it together.
Until next time, stay blessed, and know that God loves you!
