🌿 Walking in the Way of Love

🌿 Walking in the Way of Love

Ephesians 5:1–2 (NIV)

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 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.”

1. Following the Father’s Example

Paul begins this section with a powerful call: “Follow God’s example” (Greek: mimētai tou Theou).The word μιμηταί (mimētai) is where we get our English word mimic. It literally means to imitate or model after someone. Paul urges believers to imitate God—to reflect His character in the way we live, love, and respond to others.

This isn’t imitation through legalism or performance, but imitation through relationship.We imitate God because we are “dearly loved children” (tekna agapēta). Children naturally take on the characteristics of their parents; in the same way, we are called to mirror our Father’s heart of compassion, holiness, and mercy.

Cross References:

• Matthew 5:48 – “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

• 1 Peter 1:15–16 – “Be holy, because I am holy.”

• 1 Thessalonians 1:6 – “You became imitators of us and of the Lord.”

2. Walking in the Way of Love

Paul continues: “and walk in the way of love” (peripateite en agapē).The verb περιπατεῖτε (peripateite) means “to walk” or “to live,” emphasizing a continual lifestyle rather than a single act. Our entire way of living should be marked by ἀγάπη (agapē), the self-giving, unconditional love that reflects God’s own nature.

Love isn’t a feeling—it’s a deliberate choice to seek the good of others, even at personal cost. This “walk” is patterned after the example of Christ, who didn’t merely speak about love but demonstrated it through His sacrifice.

Cross References:

• John 13:34–35 – “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

• Colossians 3:14 – “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

• Romans 13:10 – “Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”

3. Christ’s Sacrificial Example

Paul roots this walk of love in Christ’s redemptive work:

“Just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

The Greek phrase παρέδωκεν ἑαυτόν (paredōken heauton) means “He gave Himself up” — indicating a voluntary, intentional act. Jesus’ sacrifice was both substitutionary (on our behalf) and pleasing to the Father — described as a “fragrant offering” (prosphoran kai thusian tō Theō eis osmēn euōdias), echoing the Old Testament imagery of acceptable sacrifices (cf. Leviticus 1:9).

The “fragrant aroma” signifies God’s approval and delight in the Son’s perfect obedience and love. Our acts of love, when done in the same spirit, become a reflection of that same fragrance.

Cross References:

• Philippians 2:5–8 – Christ “humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!”

• John 15:13 – “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

• Hebrews 10:10 – “We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”

4. Living as a Fragrant Offering

To “walk in love” means that our daily lives—our forgiveness, patience, service, and humility—should rise like a pleasing aroma to God. Every act of genuine love reflects the sacrificial nature of Christ and becomes an act of worship.

When we choose to love those who wrong us, serve when it’s inconvenient, or forgive when it hurts, we are living sacrifices (Romans 12:1), displaying the fragrance of Christ in a broken world.

Reflection Questions

1. In what ways can you imitate God’s character in your relationships this week?

2. How does Christ’s self-giving love challenge your definition of love?

3. What might it look like for your life to be a “fragrant offering” to God today?

Journal Prompt

Write a prayer asking God to help you walk in the way of love this week. Reflect on specific areas where you can demonstrate Christlike love—whether in your family, workplace, or church community.

Closing Thought

To follow God’s example is not about perfection but direction.As dearly loved children, we walk in the footsteps of Jesus—learning, growing, and loving as He did. When we live this way, our lives become a sweet fragrance rising to God, drawing others to the beauty of His love.