Guest Post
Ephesians 5:1-2 (AMP)
Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]; 2 and walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.
This verse carries a message for our time as it should always have done. It asks the question, what makes it different, and why now? It asks us to look and question ourselves about our own example we have set in the past and begs for change. It also lets us reflect why it is so pertinent for us now.
One of the metaphors illustrating the words, setting an example of love could read “Love is a battlefield. Love is simple, but people make it complicated.” It is one of the realizations we have come to during this time of Covid-19. Jesus on the other hand is asking us to imitate Him as He imitates the Father, and He calls us well-beloved children.
It calls for a continual walk, and I pray we will not forget the changes it brought in our own lifestyle of care and awareness for others too soon.
Scripture highlights for us the how: practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others. It states that Christ also loved you and me and gave Himself up for all of us (no exception), an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.
Christ’s life left a fragrance (a sweet aroma) in His walk on earth. And so it is incumbent on us that we ought to also value our brothers and sisters (especially those in need and ostracized) and become an offering and sacrifice made to God through our actions.
This time of Covid-19 has emphasised for us to repeat (continually) and not forget His example.
To my brothers and sister in Christ at New Harvest,
Shalom, Herman Groenewald