Be Like Christ

Ephesians 5:1–2 (KJV): “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour.”

Ephesians 5:1–2 (NLT): “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 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.”

Grace and Peace, My Ekklesia Family

Be Like Christ

Today, I want you to think of a child walking through the snow behind their father. The father takes big steps, leaving deep footprints. The child, though small, stretches to place their feet in those prints. They may stumble, but the goal is to walk where their father walked. That is what Paul calls us to—imitating our Heavenly Father by walking in the footprints of Jesus, step by step, in love.

“Be ye therefore followers of God” – The word “followers” (Greek mimētēs) means “imitators.” Paul is not calling us to religion but relationship. As children copy their parents, we are to reflect God’s character.

“Walk in love” – Not a one-time act, but a continual lifestyle. Love is not optional; it is the believer’s oxygen.

“As Christ also hath loved us” – Our example is not human affection but divine, sacrificial, covenant love.

“An offering and a sacrifice” – Christ’s death was voluntary, fragrant before God, and victorious for us. Our lives, when surrendered, become that same aroma rising up to heaven.

1. Imitate the Father: Ask daily, “Am I reflecting my Father’s heart or my flesh’s impulses?”

2. Live in Love: Replace gossip with grace, grudges with forgiveness, and selfishness with service.

3. Sacrificial Lifestyle: True discipleship means loving when it costs—your time, your pride, your comfort.

4. A Fragrant Offering: Let your life be an aroma that makes people say, “I smelled Jesus in the room today.”

Heavenly Father, today I stretch my steps to walk in Yours. Teach me to imitate You in my thoughts, words, and actions. Lord Jesus, thank You for walking before me, loving me, and giving Yourself as the sweet fragrance of salvation. Holy Spirit, guide me to live sacrificially in love. Let my life be an offering that pleases You. Strengthen me to forgive, empower me to serve, and renew me to walk worthy of Your call. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Beloved, if you do not know Christ as your Savior, today is the day to step into His love. He gave Himself for you so that you might live in Him. At Ekklesia Christian Life Ministries, we declare the Gospel where the Gospel is told and never sold. Visit us at ekklesiachristianlife.org to grow deeper in Christ and connect with a family that walks in love together.

LoveUmorethanUknow,

Pastor Stephän Kirby