Ephesians 5:2 - "And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma."This is not the first time Ephesians encourages us to walk in love. It's a recurring theme in the book and even throughout the entire Bible. Here, Jesus gives us an example of just what it means to walk in love.
We are to love others as Christ loved us. Understanding the extent of how much Jesus loves can not be overstated. The Bible says "while you were still a sinner He demonstrated His love for you by dying on the cross." His love is not based on your goodness or personality. He chose to love you even while you were steeped in your sins. Likewise, we are to choose to love those around us even when they are not lovable.
The next thing we learn from this verse is that love gives. Jesus loved us and gave Himself for us. We know that it wasn't easy because He prayed in the garden, "if there is any other way take this cup from me." And yet love drove Him to the cross to fully give of Himself. We love like Jesus when we give of ourselves.
We also learn that when we give of ourselves in an unselfish way, our sacrifices don't go unnoticed by God. Here it says the sacrifice of Christ was a sweet-smelling aroma. And no doubt it was the sweetest smelling aroma of all time. However the sacrifices we make when we love by giving are a sweet-smelling aroma to God as well.
Blessings,
Robert Furrow
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