Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and 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
There’s a simple yet profound truth that flows through Paul’s words in Ephesians 5:1-2: We are called to follow God’s example, to live in the same love that He has lavished on us. But what does that look like in our day-to-day lives? And more importantly, what’s our response to this overwhelming, undeserved love that He has shown us?
As I reflected on this, a thought came to mind. There are really only two ways we can respond to God’s love. The first is prideful and self-assured: “Well, of course God loves me. I’m doing all the right things! I attend church, I tithe, I help others in need…” It’s so easy to fall into this attitude, thinking that we can somehow earn God’s love through our good behavior, our efforts, and our deeds. But deep down, that’s not how His love works.
The second response is what Jesus describes at the start of the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). It’s the response that comes with the humble awareness of our spiritual brokenness. It’s the recognition that no matter how many good things we do, there’s nothing we can offer that would ever repay the debt we owe to God. And yet, He loves us still.
This morning, I was reminded of this truth in the most unexpected way – through a bumper sticker on a car that said, “Smile! God loves you!” I’ve seen that message so many times before, but this time it struck me differently. I couldn’t stop thinking about it. “The Author of all creation loves me. The Creator of everything in the heavens and on the earth – He loves me? Even when I disappoint Him?” Yes. “Even when I foolishly take credit for all the good things in my life and blame Him for all the bad stuff?” Yes. “Even when I doubt Him?” Yes.
This love is not about my worthiness. It’s about His nature. It’s about His endless mercy and grace. God’s love doesn’t hinge on my best efforts or my worst failures. He loved me when I was still lost, and He continues to love me even now. This love doesn’t excuse my sin, but it gives me a reason to come back to Him when I fall short. This love calls me to walk in the way of love, as Christ did, not out of obligation but out of a grateful heart.
So, how do we respond to this love? Ephesians 5:1-2 invites us to follow God’s example, to love others as He loves us. Not because we’re earning anything, but because we’ve already been given everything. As we recognize our spiritual poverty, we begin to understand that this love is a gift we receive and a gift we give. It’s in living this way – humbly, dependently, and with open hands – that we truly follow in the footsteps of Christ.
Take a moment today to sit with this truth: GOD LOVES YOU. Not because you’ve earned it, but because He is love. Let this truth shape how you see yourself, how you see others, and how you walk through today. Let God’s love shape how you love – freely, sacrificially, and without expectation – just as Christ loved you.
Former Blackout Artist 