One of my daily Bible verses this week was Ephesians 5:1-2 and one of the phrases therein brought back a memory from long ago.
“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” [NLT]
The phrase that retrieved the memory was “live a life filled with love.” Some other translations say it, “walk in love,” or “walk in the way of love.”
To be filled, or to walk, is a Greek verb used to describe one’s conduct or manner of life. It implies a habitual lifestyle and is used to encourage believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling and to follow the teachings of Christ. [Strong’s]
The memory that phrase prompted is from a half century ago. Newly saved, I was working for the State of California. I realized that my life and my attitudes were a far cry from “the example of Christ,” and I asked God to teach me to love like He loves.
I was looking for a miraculous and instant change. Instead, He brought the most annoying woman in the office to my side. Not only did I have to work with her, now she spent lunches and breaks with me. It took me a while to understand what God was doing – using the unlovable to teach me to love as He loves.
It made me realize that I was far more unlovable than this woman when God called me to Himself – and still He loved me. That changed everything! Funny the way God sometimes answers prayers!
