Our Walk

“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.” Verses 1-2.

When it speaks here about being “imitators” of God, it means that we are to follow the leading of His Spirit.

A great deal is spoken about love, but in a twisted way—a love for the flesh, sparing oneself. When someone speaks as the oracles of God and points out the ugliness of sin, people say that that per­son has too little love. Others may misuse the word “love,” but it is pure for those who use it in purity, for we are exhorted to walk in love.

One of the outstanding characteristics of love is that it does not seek its own. On the contrary, it gives of itself. It doesn’t make de­mands on anyone; rather, it helps. In His love for us, Christ gave Himself as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Now, what can we offer up for His sake? Just this: In love for Him, we can offer up ourselves in the same sacrifice.

Love, on the inner ways, works like a hidden bond that renders all church registration and membership lists superfluous, even dis­gusting. Where the bonds of love are operative, it is a mockery of love to use other bonds. That is unbelief; people lack confidence in one another. The one who walks in love will soon be loved; his love will be returned, for every trait promotes its counterpart in the others. Just as we can train ourselves in godliness, we can also train ourselves to walk in love. This is all part of what is required of us in order to take the kingdom of God by force.