Love Like That!

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

─ Ephesians 5:1-2

The extreme, out of the ordinary displays of love and compassion grip our hearts. Stories of amazing, unbelievable forgiveness and extraordinary love are shared as human-interest stories in social media, television and radio. The truth is that the God kind of love is not really that common. The negative, angry, eye for eye and tooth for tooth demonstrations of road rage and senseless unkindness fill our headlines.

As God’s children, we have the example of God’s extravagant love. We are encouraged, even challenged, to imitate God. Just as small children mimic the words and actions of those raising them, we are challenged to follow our Heavenly’s Father’s example. We are encouraged to read the Bible to learn His character and nature.

We can study what God does, and then do it. And what God does is loves us – He loves us extravagantly. His love is never defensive or cautious but open and over generous. His motives for love are pure. He doesn’t love to get from us but to give Himself to us.

No one naturally loves like God, but we have the ability to love Him, love ourselves and love others like He does because His love is poured into our hearts (Romans 5:5).

Today’s One Thing

Choose one person that you find difficult to love and ask God to teach you to love them like He does.

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