Walk in the way of love

Ephesians 5 begins with:

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children ² and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

So God is your example to follow, be like children who are loved, and walk in the way of love.  This is the same way Christ loved us and gave his life for us.

Now notice, as Paul's writing continues with verse 3:

³ But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. ⁴ Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. ⁵ For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.  ⁶ Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. ⁷ Therefore do not be partners with them.

I'm anxious for you to read Paul's words which follow:

⁸ For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light ⁹ (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) ¹⁰ and find out what pleases the Lord. ¹¹ Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. ¹² It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. ¹³ But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. ¹⁴ This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

One paragraph describes a lifestyle of impurity and disobedience, the other speaks of the believer being "light in the Lord."  I know we wrestle with sin and Satan is constantly at work against us, but the life of being light in the Lord is the way for the believer.

We have the choice every day, with every decision, every encounter, every moment in time, to choose which of Paul's paragraphs describe your walk but there is encouragement in a few verses which follow.

¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

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