Imitate God

“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love…” 

Ephesians 5:1-2 (NKJV)

We imitate others by doing what they do or saying what they say, even as a child would imitate a parent. We are encouraged to imitate God in our relationships with each other, to see good in others and to seek good for others, to walk in love. 

This is how God loves us – enough to send His only begotten Son to die for us (John 3:16). We are not required to die for anyone since Jesus already died for the sins of all mankind. He, Who never sinned, took on our sin so that we could be reconciled to God. What manner of love is this, that we should be spared the penalty of death, our just reward, and not only that, but that we could be called children of God? Amazing love!  

Jesus did this. He willingly stepped in and did what His Father required. He said, “I and My Father are one” (John 10:30), or ‘I imitate my Father in everything.’ He also said, “…the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.” (John 5:19 – NKJV). If Jesus, Who is the Son of God, Who is in God, Who has all the attributes of God, can choose to be obedient unto death at the cross, how much more should we, for whom He died, be willing to live in obedience to Him? 

Friends, let us resolve to imitate Jesus in everything – the way He loved His Father, the way He related to others, and how He was in constant communion with God, always being led by the Spirit in total obedience. Even when we sin and fall short, let us seek forgiveness and move on in Him. His Word says, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?…” (Romans 8:35 – NKJV). Nothing and no one can. He even comes after us, although we ignore Him, reject Him, deny Him, until we come to the understanding that we need Him and cannot live without Him, and we dare not die without Him.

God’s love and faithfulness never end. His love has no limit, and His faithfulness reaches unto the skies. Love Him with all your heart and with all your soul (Matthew 22:37), and keep His commandments.

Prayer

Lord, I thank You for Your love for me. I don’t deserve it, but yet You pour out Your blessings to me daily. Who am I that You should be mindful of me? Your Word says you know the number of the very hairs on my head. What an awesome God! Thank You Lord, there is none like You. 

Read: John 13:13-15; 1 Corinthians 11:1-2

Bible Reading Guide: 1 Peter 2:21-25; Philippians 2:3-8; John 13:34-35; Deuteronomy 12:29-32