In what ways can we imitate Christ's sacrificial love daily? Christ’s Example of Love “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) • His love is active—He “walked” in it. • His love is costly—He “gave Himself up.” • His love is pleasing to the Father—“a fragrant sacrificial offering.” What Sacrificial Love Looks Like • Self-emptying humility (Philippians 2:5-8) • Choosing the cross over comfort (Luke 9:23) • Serving rather than being served (Mark 10:45) • Forgiving enemies (Luke 23:34) • Seeking the lost (Luke 19:10) Daily Ways to Imitate Christ’s Sacrificial Love • Prioritize people over preferences – Offer time to someone who needs to talk, even when your schedule is full. • Give generously and quietly (Matthew 6:3-4; 2 Corinthians 9:7) – Meet a financial need or share a meal without drawing attention to yourself. • Carry another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2) – Help with practical tasks, sit with the grieving, pray with the anxious. • Forgive quickly and fully (Ephesians 4:32) – Release grudges before the sun sets; speak words of reconciliation. • Speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) – Correct gently, encourage earnestly, confront sin with compassion. • Practice everyday hospitality (Romans 12:13) – Open your home or table to strangers and friends alike. • Choose purity for another’s good (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) – Guard eyes, words, and actions so others are not tempted or dishonored. • Endure inconvenience without complaint (1 Peter 2:20-23) – Respond to unfair treatment with patience and prayer. Guardrails for the Heart • Check motives: Am I seeking my own glory or God’s? (Matthew 6:1) • Root actions in gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice, not guilt or pride (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). • Stay nourished by Scripture and communion with God (Psalm 119:11). Dependence on the Spirit • Be filled continuously (Ephesians 5:18) so love remains Spirit-produced, not self-manufactured. • Let the fruit of the Spirit flavor every sacrifice—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Living the Fragrant Offering Small, unseen choices—yielded plans, opened wallets, guarded tongues, quiet prayers—rise to God today with the same aroma that delighted Him in His Son. Walk in those steps, and the fragrance of Christ will linger wherever you go. |
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