Imitators of God.

Ephesians 5:1-2, 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.

Therefore, as Christ forgave us, and received us and has adopted us as sons and daughters, there ought to be some family resemblance! He has seated us in the heavenly realms, and later he shows us how to stand; now he asks us to walk in love. And his love was made known fully in the cross where as he both offered and became the offering for us. As we offer ourselves, what kind of fragrance do we have? Is it one that others want to be around?

We come to you today as a fragrant offering that others may see you, and sense your sweet fragrance and come to know you, O Lord!

ESV Lectionary