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"And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling aroma."

Text: Ephesians 5:2

FOCUS ON LOVE

What did Paul have in mind when he wrote the Ephesians and urged them to imitate God? It would appear that his emphasis was on the subject of “love”.

JESUS’ EMPHASIS ON THE THEME OF LOVE

Paul underscored Jesus’ teaching on the subject of love. Let us pause and consider afresh the emphasis Jesus placed on this theme.

1. Love for enemies

One of the most outstanding teachings of Jesus was His challenge to love one’s enemies. The following text was well captured in Matthew’s Gospel.

You have heard that it was said,
‘You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’
But I say to you, love your enemies,
Bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you,
and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.
MATTHEW 5:43-44

The expressions of genuine love include the following:-

a) Blessing the enemy who curses you.

b) Doing good to the enemy who hates you.

c) Praying for the enemy who persecutes you.

This was the kind of love that the Lord Jesus desired His disciples to possess in their hearts.

2. The Example of God

It is not without significance when Jesus appealed to God the Father as the perfect example of love.

That you may be sons of your Father in heaven;
For He makes the sun rise on the evil and on the good,
And sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
For if you love those who love you, what reward have you?
Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
MATTHEW 5:45-46

The practice of love for one’s enemies is best exercised when one is conscious of the example of God the Father. We prove ourselves to be genuine and good children of God when we exercise such love not only for the brethren, but also for enemies.