5 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. ² And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

³ But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. ⁴ Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. ⁵ For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

Ephesians 5:1-5

The language of ‘household’ is consistent through this letter to the Ephesian Christians (e.g. 1:10; 2:20; 3:2). Their identity is no longer ‘Jew’ or ‘Gentile’, but ‘in Christ in God’s household.’ They have been brought into God’s family. As such they (and we) are in God’s family. And, like all families, we are expected to bear the family likeness; we are to look like our Father God, as his children (vs.1). In fact, we are commanded to bear this family likeness! 

And the likeness is clear; it is the family trait of ‘love,’ a love that is committed to self-sacrifice, mercy, grace and generosity for the good of someone who does not deserve it (cf. Eph.2:1-10). This love is unlike all false loves: the love of money, the love of sexual immorality, the love of coarse language. This love is driven by thankfulness for what God has done. This love is the family likeness that God’s mob walk in.

Question:

Why, when God’s love is so significant in our lives, do you think we chase after counterfeit and perverted loves? How might we walk better in thankfulness for that love?

Prayer:

Father, thank you that your love for me is undeniable, historically established and permanent in its goodness. Please enable me to walk in the likeness of your character, avoiding perverted love and reveling in thankfulness. Amen.