Come, walk through the Word.
Beloved children imitate God's self-giving love. Come without hurry. Christ's fragrant offering becomes the pattern, while exploitative desire and corrupt speech are named as incompatible with thanksgiving. Listen first for what grace has already done in Christ.
Ephesians 5:1–7
1Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
2And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
3But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
4Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
5For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
6Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
7Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
Stay with the movement.
Christ's fragrant offering becomes the pattern, while exploitative desire and corrupt speech are named as incompatible with thanksgiving. Christ loved us and gave Himself for us. Paul joins the riches of grace to a worthy walk shaped by Christ.
Let one costly act of love replace a self-serving habit. This is an invitation to receive God's strength and let grace become visible in the church.
See the passage in its world.
Beloved children imitate God's self-giving love. This movement belongs inside Paul's vision of the church in Christ.
Christ's fragrant offering becomes the pattern, while exploitative desire and corrupt speech are named as incompatible with thanksgiving.
Christ loved us and gave Himself for us. The passage draws the heart toward Christ and the good of His body.
Read the passage again.
Return to Scripture before answering. Let the movement itself guide your reflection.
Stay with the text
Which repeated word, contrast, command, or promise carries Paul's main concern in Ephesians 5:1–7?
Examine the heart
Where does your life resist this truth: beloved children imitate god's self-giving love.
Walk worthy
Let one costly act of love replace a self-serving habit.
Remain here for a moment.
Let every competing voice become still. Christ loved us and gave Himself for us. Receive that truth before trying to perform it.
Carry the Word into today.
Let one costly act of love replace a self-serving habit.
Continue in His presence.
Lord Jesus, beloved children imitate god's self-giving love. Strengthen me by Your Spirit, root me in Your love, and teach me to walk worthy of Your calling. Amen.