Ephesians 4:25-5:2 New Living Translation (NLT)
Believers are to be imitators of God; we look at the human life of the Savior—Jesus Christ—and we invite the divine Spirit to help us be conformed to his image. Therefore, we need victory over things like lying, stealing, using foul or abusive language, and spewing anger, because those things grieve the Holy Spirit. Anger alone opens the door to the enemy of love. Those kinds of behaviors are not found in the Savior, so they should not be a pattern of behavior for our lives.
In our passage today, the Apostle Paul reminds the early church of its mission. We need to be examples of hard working children who know they essentially work for Father God. Honorable work is godly; God pleasing. We need to be examples of givers, because the Savior gave his life so he could be a Giver through the multitude of believers. We need to exalt Christ in our lives, because the Holy Spirit has marked us for eternal life. So let’s really bring our lives into agreement with God; he offers the strength and grace to make it happen we just need to imitate our Teacher.
Ephesians 4:25-5:2
25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Living in the Light
5 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
Prayer: Lord, I want to live my life filled with your love. Holy Spirit, help me be an imitator of Christ, so my life is an encouragement to others, as well as a pleasing aroma before you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.