Therefore, be imitators of God as dearly loved children and live in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God. But among you there must not be either sexual immorality, impurity of any kind, or greed, as these are not fitting for the saints.
Into the Text
As children of God, we should look like our Father. As we grow and mature in our faith, we should take on more and more of God’s characteristics, becoming imitators of God. Our heavenly Father wants us to strive for holiness, even though we won’t be perfected until heaven. Yet, He will give us what we need to live a life set apart, especially as we seek to walk in love, just as Christ loved us. Jesus’ love for us was so great that He gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. That’s a deep, unwavering love that we’re called to imitate in our lives.
When we’re imitating God, we’re shining His light in a dark world by showing the difference God makes in our lives. We become living, breathing examples of God’s grace and love to those around us. We’re called to be different. We’re called to stand out. We’re called to live set apart. The way we love others, the way we carry ourselves, and the way we choose to live our lives should all be a reflection of God’s goodness.
Being set apart is a beautiful thing! It means that we’re living out our purpose, showing the world what it looks like to walk hand in hand with our Father. When we embrace who we are in Christ, as dearly loved children, we won’t want to reflect anything that is not a reflection of our Father. Instead, we will want to live sexually pure, kind, and generous lives because, in love, we want to reflect the One who so generously sacrificed so much for us.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, help me to be an imitator of You, walking in love and standing out as Your child. May my life be a testimony of Your grace and love. Amen.