How does Ephesians 5:2 connect to John 13:34 about loving others? Walking in Love—Christ’s Way “and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.” (Ephesians 5:2) “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so also you must love one another.” (John 13:34) Shared Core—Love Modeled on Christ • Both verses center on Christ’s personal example. • The standard is not cultural expectation but “as I have loved you.” • Love is defined by self-giving sacrifice: Christ “gave Himself up,” and we are to do likewise. Love as a Command, Not a Suggestion • John 13:34 issues a “new commandment.” • Ephesians 5:2 calls us to “walk,” an ongoing lifestyle choice. • Command plus walk = perpetual obedience, not occasional sentiment. Sacrificial Aroma—Old Testament Echoes • “Fragrant sacrificial offering” (Ephesians 5:2) recalls Leviticus sacrifices accepted by God. • Our love, when sacrificial, rises to God like that pleasing aroma. (cf. Philippians 4:18) Imitating Christ Together • Jesus: “As I have loved you.” (John 13:34) • Paul: “Just as Christ loved us.” (Ephesians 5:2) • Different authors, same Spirit, calling believers to identical imitation. Additional Scriptural Connections • 1 John 3:16—“By this we know love: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” • Romans 5:8—“But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” • 1 Corinthians 13:4-7—practical profile of Christ-like love. Practical Ways to Walk in Love 1. Daily decision: Start each morning committing to view people through Christ’s sacrificial lens. 2. Small sacrifices: Time, attention, resources—give them freely. 3. Forgive quickly: Christ’s love absorbed offense; so must ours (Colossians 3:13). 4. Speak life: Words seasoned with grace build up (Ephesians 4:29). 5. Serve unnoticed: Acts done “in secret” still rise as fragrant offerings (Matthew 6:4). Why It Matters • Obedience to Christ’s command authenticates discipleship (John 13:35). • Sacrificial love reflects the gospel to a watching world (Matthew 5:16). • It unites the church, displaying God’s wisdom to heavenly realms (Ephesians 3:10). Closing Reflection Christ’s love sets both the pattern and the power for ours. Draw from His sacrifice, walk in that same love, and let every relationship become a fragrant offering pleasing to God. |
    |