Walking in the Way of Love
Based on the September 29, 2024 message by Karl Ihfe
Have you ever wondered what it truly means to love like God loves? It's a challenging concept, isn't it? We often hear that we should "love one another," but what does that look like in our daily lives? As we wrap up our "Therefore" series, let's explore this profound call to "walk in the way of love" and how it can transform our lives and relationships.
The "Therefore" of Love
In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul gives us a powerful "therefore" statement that connects God's love for us with how we should live. He writes:
"Therefore, as dearly loved children, follow God's example. 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" (Ephesians 5:1-2).
This "therefore" reminds us that because of what God has done for us - demonstrated most powerfully in Christ's sacrifice - we are called to imitate Him. It's not about earning God's love, but rather responding to it by living it out.
What Walking in Love Looks Like
Paul goes on to explain what this "way of love" looks like in practice. He says:
"Among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving" (Ephesians 5:3-4).
Walking in love isn't just about warm feelings or kind gestures. It involves aligning our entire lives - our actions, our words, and even our thoughts - with God's character and commands.
The Consequences of Not Walking in Love
Paul doesn't shy away from addressing the seriousness of not living in this way of love. He warns:
"For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God" (Ephesians 5:5).
This isn't about God waiting to punish us. Rather, it's about the natural consequences that come from living outside of God's design for our lives. As you are certainly aware, you only need to turn on the local news to see the consequences of folks just living how they want to live.
Practical Applications for Different Life Situations
So where is God inviting you to walk in the way of love? Perhaps in one of the following areas:
1. In your speech: Maybe like the church in Ephesus, you need to rethink how you've been talking, whether in person or online. How have you been expressing yourself, your frustrations, your hopes, your fears?
2. In your relationships: Maybe it’s a move towards humility, to humble yourself the way Jesus did, placing the needs of the other ahead of your own. Maybe an invitation of friendship, an apology, or a word of encouragement.
3. As a student: Perhaps you need to be on the lookout for those who’ve been left out or left alone. Perhaps it’s to be willing to speak the truth in love in the midst of a lie, rumor, or potential bad decision.
4. In your family: Walking in the way of love this week may require you to listen first instead of talking, or when it’s time to speak, to be quick to build up rather than tear down.
5. In your workplace: This week may require us to be honest when we make a mistake rather than try to manipulate or manage impressions. Perhaps it will require some of us who have the privilege of leading to do so with humility, to get first in line when it comes to serving."
Living as Children of Light
Remember, as Paul says, "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light" (Ephesians 5:8). We're not called to partner with the dark ways of this world, but to shine God's light through our lives.
As we go into this week, let's challenge ourselves to walk in the way of love. Here are some practical steps:
Pray for sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's guidance in how to love others.
Look for opportunities to show kindness, even when it's difficult.
Practice humility by putting others' needs before your own.
Speak words of encouragement and truth, avoiding gossip and negativity.
When you fall short, remember God's grace and try again.
We can only walk in the way of love through the power of God's Spirit. We need His guidance to help us become the men and women, husbands and wives, teachers and students, coworkers and bosses He’s created us to be. Whatever role you're in or place you find yourself, call on God to help you walk in the way of love. May God bless us as we pursue the life that is truly life together this week!