Our Daily Dose
Day 227 of 365 · Week 33 · Daniel’s Wisdom
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Living in Love and Light
Ephesians 5:1-20
Scripture · Ephesians 5:1-20
1Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children, 2and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God. 3But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed. 4Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving. 5For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person (that is, an idolater) has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. 7Therefore do not be partakers with them. 8For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, 9for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. 10Test and prove what pleases the Lord. 11Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that is illuminated becomes a light itself. 14So it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” 15Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord, 20always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Berean Standard Bible (BSB), public domain.
Paul continues his instructions for Christian living by calling believers to live a life of love, modeled after Christ, and to walk as children of light, rejecting the deeds of darkness and instead producing the fruit of the Spirit.
Exegesis and Study
- Walking in Love: Paul emphasizes that the Christian life is to be characterized by love, which is the defining attribute of God Himself. This love is sacrificial, as demonstrated by Christ’s willingness to give Himself up for us. Believers are called to imitate this love in their relationships with others, putting the needs of others before their own and living in a way that reflects Christ’s sacrificial love.
- Walking in Light: To walk as children of light means to live in a way that is consistent with the truth and
holiness of God. Paul contrasts the deeds of darkness—such as sexual immorality, greed, and impurity—with the fruit of the Spirit, which includes goodness, righteousness, and truth. Believers are called to expose and reject the deeds of darkness, choosing instead to live in the light of God’s truth.
Practical Application
- Practicing Sacrificial Love: Living in love, as Christ loved us, requires a willingness to put others first, even when it is difficult or costly. Practically, this might involve acts of service, kindness, and generosity toward others, as well as forgiving those who have wronged us. It also means being patient and compassionate in our interactions, seeking to build others up rather than tear them down.
- Living as Children of Light: Walking in the light involves a conscious decision to avoid sinful behaviors and to pursue what is good, right, and true. This might involve setting boundaries to avoid temptations, surrounding ourselves with godly influences, and being intentional about filling our minds with truth from God’s Word. It also means being willing to speak out against sin and to live in a way that reflects God’s holiness.
Prayer Guide
- Pray for a Heart of Love: Ask God to fill your heart with His love, enabling you to love others as Christ loves you. Pray for the strength to show sacrificial love in your relationships, even when it is difficult or inconvenient.
- Pray for the Courage to Walk in the Light: Reflect on the areas of your life where you need to walk more
fully in the light. Pray for the courage to reject the deeds of darkness and to live in a way that reflects God’s truth and holiness.
This devotional is one day from Our Daily Dose, a 365-day journey through Scripture by Armstrong & Zanele Ogwuche.
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Scripture is shown in public-domain translations, so you can share it freely. The study text is from Our Daily Dose by Armstrong & Zanele Ogwuche.
A daily devotional from KingdomOS. Share freely; every card links back here.
A daily devotional from KingdomOS. Share freely; every card links back here.