Scripture:
“Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.” Ephesians 5:1-2 (MSG)
Perspective:
Paul was writing to the church at Ephesus to encourage them in the way they were treating one another. He used the metaphor of comparing mirroring God’s behavior to children imitating their parents. When children are little, they start repeating words that they hear their parents saying. They learn all the basics of life from what is demonstrated before them. Paul understood that God does that same thing for His children. God goes first in loving His children extravagantly and stands back and whispers, “It’s your turn.”
When we are handed the opportunity to love, it can be challenging. The word “love” is now used to describe some many things. People will say that they love a burger, and they love their mom. Yet, love has more weight than what we could use to associate our feelings with something we eat. Love requires laying down our agenda in order to give to those around us. Even so, we can’t love everyone in a deep and personal way. God commands us to love one another, which could include anyone. But it tends to become most practical when we start with those closest to us. What could you do this week to display love that is not cautious for someone in your life? It may mean carving out an extra hour of your schedule for a special dinner or calling someone to affirm them. It could be a spouse, child, family member, friend, or coworker. Love tends to be best known when it is shown. So, God is extending the invitation with a whisper. “It’s your turn.”
Scripture taken from THE MESSAGE. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.
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About Hona Amer
I help people live life to the fullest. Check out my book, Smart Work U. Follow me on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. In order to receive updates, subscribe below.
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