Walk in Love

And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.     – Ephesians 5:2 

In his novel Anna Karenina, one of Leo Tolstoy’s characters said, “I imagine the main spring of all our actions is self-interest.” In today’s world, that seems to be generally true, even among many who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ. Paul, the apostle, reminds you in Philippians 2:4, however, that a believer is to “look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” If you are truly walking in love, as today’s verse calls you to do, you will seek what is good for others, even if it is at your own expense.  

Walking in love is the lifestyle exemplified by Jesus. The word for “love” in today’s verse is the Greek agape, a sacrificial, unselfish, unconditional love that proves itself through its actions. It is the love with which Christ loved us and the kind of characteristics we are to show as we love one another (1 John 4:11). Paul instructs us to be imitators of God, to live pure lives, and not to succumb to foolish ideas, and always have a grateful attitude.  

In his final sermon, pastor and theologian Dr. John W. R. Stott reiterated what the Apostle John wrote in 1 John 2:6, “Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” Dr. Stott said, “The amazing grace of God… is to be followed by all of us.” Your life should be characterized by humble service, and your behavior should be characterized by love. Fill yourself with God’s Word, immerse yourself In prayer, and live authentically. Pray that God will continually make you more like Christ. Pray for the congressional chaplains to walk a Christ-honoring life also.