Walk in Love

Love. No other word carries with it more connotations. Just one word stirs up so many thoughts, feelings, and emotions in each individual. One word carries with it the power to change one’s life entirely. Many have done crazy and bold things, for the sake of love. Many have sacrificed everything, for love. And many have ruined their own lives, as well as others, for the sake of love. But, what is love, really?
A Tale of Two Loves
In Ephesians 5:1-7, Paul talks about the difference between God’s idea of love and the world’s idea of love. Even though Paul was writing this letter to first century Christians, his words and ideas are still relevant to us today. As I read this passage, I notice two contrasting themes.
God’s idea of “love” is Selfless and Sacrificial. God selflessly gave up His Son, Jesus, who, in turn, voluntarily came to this earth, in accordance with His Father’s plan, and selflessly served mankind. Jesus then became the ultimate sacrifice that was necessary to atone for our sins and bring us into right standing with God. This is God’s idea of “love” - selfless and sacrificial. As Christians, this is the kind of love that Paul admonishes us to walk in and demonstrate in this world (Eph. 5:2).
However, the world’s idea of love is quite the opposite - it is Selfish and Sensual, seeking to please only one’s own feelings and desires, with no concern for others. This kind of “love” exhibits itself in sexual immorality, impurity (impure thoughts, deeds and speech), and greed (for both material things and continual sensual fulfillment), which leads to idolatry and setting up one’s self as god.
Walk in Love
So how are we, as Christians, expected to “walk in love” and show the world God’s idea of love? First, we are called to “reject the concept of love expressed in local culture” (IST 109). Our culture tells us that “love” can be interpreted and shown in many different ways: romantic feelings, one night stands, co-habitation, homosexual relationships. It’s all about the here and now - “if it feels good, do it” - selfish and sensual.
However, if we are to exhibit God’s love in this world, we must first exchange the attitude of “it’s all about me” for the mindset that “it’s all about God and what He’s done for me” - selfless and sacrificial - which leads me to the second way we are to walk in love.
We “must demonstrate God’s love in [our] relationships with others” (IST 110). We need to follow Christ’s example and be selfless and sacrificial in our relationships. We must be so overcome with God’s love for us that we want to share it with all those we come in contact with. God’s love is contagious and we are the vehicles that God uses to spread it around the world.
Exercise Discernment
However, we must exercise discernment in developing relationships with others, even with fellow Christians. Paul warns us against those who would try to “deceive [us] with empty words. You know those people I’m talking about, those who, shall we say, “sit on the fence”, and have one foot in the church and one foot in the world? Those who try to get us to justify our behaviors that are improper for Christians to be exhibiting. Paul implores us: “Do not be partners with them” - don’t have anything to do with those people! But why?
Ephesians 5:6 tells us that “God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient”. Many times, we think that we can be the stronger one in the relationship, and bring others to our level. Really? Things rarely work that way. It’s always easier to be pulled down a level than to pull someone up to your level. I know; I’ve been there, done that and bought the t-shirt. That’s why Paul warns us so strongly to run from relationships like these. He understood that when we hang around people like that and we get pulled down, we often fall into temptation and sin, leading to God’s wrath on our lives.
A New Perspective
As we desire to grow in relationship with others, and deepen our relationship with God, we will better understand what love really is - God’s love - not only for us, but also for the whole world. Our perspective will change and we will become better at showing love for and receiving love from others. Christians should be the best lovers out there, because we have received the greatest love of all - selfless and sacrificial. What have we to lose by giving it away and encouraging others to experience the same?


Thoughts to Ponder
How do you think of ‘love’ and share it with others? God’s way or the world’s way?

Are you a vehicle for God’s love in this world? If not, pray that God would show you His love and open doors of opportunity to share His love with others.

Are there relationships in your life that need to be cut off so you can better experience and exhibit God’s love?