Ephesians 5:1-7: Walking in Love
Introduction
In Ephesians 5:1-7, Paul calls believers to imitate God by walking in love, just as Christ loved us. This passage provides a clear exhortation to love sacrificially and to avoid behaviors that are inconsistent with the new life in Christ. Paul emphasizes that our love should mirror the love of Christ, which was sacrificial and pure. This instruction aligns with the broader teachings of Scripture, including the Gospels, Philippians, and 1 John, all of which challenge us to live lives marked by love and holiness.
Paul begins this section by urging the Ephesian believers to imitate God, as beloved children, and to walk in love. This call to live out God’s love is both a high calling and a deep responsibility, shaping the believer’s actions, attitudes, and relationships. The love of Christ, demonstrated through His sacrifice, becomes the foundation for how we are to love others.
Ephesians 5:1-7 Breakdown and Commentary
Imitating God and Walking in Love (Ephesians 5:1-2)
Paul opens this passage with an invitation to be imitators of God. “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:1-2). Imitation of God, according to Paul, means reflecting God’s nature in the way we live. It involves embodying the character of God, and in particular, his love.
Christ’s love serves as the perfect model for this imitation. Christ’s love is not abstract but is demonstrated through his sacrificial act on the cross. In the Gospels, Jesus teaches that love is not just a feeling but an action, a decision to seek the good of others even at great personal cost (Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:27-28). This is the love we are called to reflect. Paul reminds the Ephesians that this love was a “fragrant offering” to God, highlighting the idea that our acts of love should also be pleasing and acceptable to God.
To live in love as Christ loved us means to give of ourselves for the good of others, even when it requires sacrifice. It calls us to go beyond the surface level of affection to a deeper, more selfless commitment. This type of love is not dependent on others’ actions or worthiness; it flows from God’s unconditional love for us, as seen in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
This sacrificial love is not easy, and it is not something that can be achieved through human effort alone. It is only possible through the work of the Holy Spirit in us, enabling us to love others as Christ has loved us. It requires a heart that is willing to be changed and transformed by God, a heart that desires to reflect his love in every action and interaction.
Avoiding Impurity and Greed (Ephesians 5:3-5)
In the following verses, Paul contrasts the life of love with behaviors that are incompatible with it: “But fornication and impurity of any kind, or greed, must not even be mentioned among you, as is proper among saints” (Ephesians 5:3). Paul lists several vices—sexual immorality, impurity, and greed—that have no place in the life of a believer. These behaviors are the antithesis of love, as they are self-centered and take advantage of others for personal gain.
Paul’s command here is not just about avoiding these behaviors but about cultivating a mindset that rejects them. When we are called to walk in love, we are called to put away selfish desires and actions that harm others. Sexual immorality and impurity stem from a distorted understanding of love that focuses on personal gratification rather than selfless giving. Greed, similarly, reflects a desire to take rather than give, and it leads to a life of selfish accumulation rather than generous sharing.
In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul writes to the church in Philippi, urging them to “do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.” This echoes the call to love selflessly, putting others’ needs above our own. Impurity and greed are the opposite of this Christlike attitude and are to be avoided by those who seek to walk in love.
Paul continues with a stern warning: “Be sure of this, that no one who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is greedy (that is, an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God” (Ephesians 5:5). This warning underscores the serious nature of these actiions and their incompatibility with the Christian faith.
Living with Thanksgiving (Ephesians 5:4)
Paul also advises that “there should be no obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking, which are out of place, but instead, let there be thanksgiving” (Ephesians 5:4). Instead of engaging in speech that degrades or belittles others, we are to replace it with gratitude. Gratitude to God and others becomes the new way of speaking. Our words should reflect the love of Christ and build up rather than tear down. This is in line with the teachings of 1 John, where we are reminded that love for God and love for others go hand in hand. John writes in 1 John 4:20, “Those who say, ‘I love God,’ and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen.” Our words and actions must align with the love we profess, and thanksgiving should permeate our speech.
Gratitude helps to refocus our hearts on the goodness of God, moving us away from negative or harmful speech. When we are grateful for what God has done for us in Christ, it becomes natural to express love, kindness, and encouragement to others. A heart full of thanksgiving is a heart that reflects the love of Christ, and this is evident in the way we speak.
The Danger of Deceptive Words (Ephesians 5:6-7)
Paul closes this section with a warning about deceptive words: “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not associate with them” (Ephesians 5:6-7). In the context of the Ephesian church, there may have been false teachers or influences encouraging people to live in ways contrary to the teachings of Christ. These “empty words” may have promised freedom or fulfillment through sinful behavior but were actually deceptive, leading people away from the true path of life in Christ.
The message is clear: believers are to avoid those who would lead them astray with lies or false promises. The pursuit of love, purity, and holiness must take precedence over worldly temptations and false teachings. Just as Jesus warned against false prophets in the Gospels (Matthew 7:15-20), Paul here calls the Ephesians to be discerning and to remain firm in the truth of the gospel.
Living in love means choosing not to be influenced by deceptive words or the allure of sin. It requires a commitment to walk in the truth, guided by the wisdom and power of the Holy Spirit. Our relationships with others, especially those who claim to be believers, should be rooted in truth and love. By living in accordance with God’s Word, we can avoid the pitfalls of deceit and walk in the light of God’s truth.
Ephesians 5:1-7 Explained in Context
The call to walk in love is not just an isolated command; it is part of a broader theological and ethical framework within the letter to the Ephesians. Throughout this epistle, Paul emphasizes the importance of unity in the body of Christ, the new identity believers have in Christ, and the practical outworking of that identity in daily life. Walking in love, as Paul describes, is the natural result of understanding our identity in Christ and the love that God has lavished upon us (Ephesians 1:3-14).
This theme of love is also prevalent in the Gospel accounts, where Jesus repeatedly teaches his followers to love one another. In John 13:34-35, Jesus commands his disciples, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” This command is echoed in Paul’s letters, where love becomes the distinguishing mark of the Christian community.
In Philippians 2:5-8, Paul encourages the Philippians to adopt the mind of Christ, who humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death. This humility is the foundation for the sacrificial love that Paul calls the Ephesians to embody. Just as Christ loved us with a sacrificial love, we are called to love others selflessly, putting their needs before our own.
In 1 John 4:7-12, John echoes this same message, writing, “Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love.” Love is the very essence of who God is, and as those who are born of God, we are called to reflect that love in all that we do. Paul’s teaching in Ephesians 5:1-7
is a direct outworking of this truth. Our love for one another is not merely a moral obligation but a reflection of God’s nature within us. We are called to imitate the love of Christ, not just in how we feel but in how we act toward others.
Ephesians 5:1-7 and Meaning for Today
Ephesians 5:1-7 offers a profound call to believers today. The invitation to “walk in love” isn’t simply an idealistic notion but a radical transformation of how we relate to one another and how we reflect Christ’s love in our daily lives. In a world that often values self-interest, competition, and individualism, the call to imitate God’s love is countercultural.
In our relationships, whether with family, friends, coworkers, or even strangers, the challenge is to live sacrificially. We are invited to reflect the sacrificial love of Christ, which means putting others before ourselves. This could mean forgiving someone who has wronged us, offering help to those in need, or even laying down our rights for the benefit of others. In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul urges the Philippians to look to the interests of others, and this is precisely what it means to walk in love: to be mindful of the needs of others and to serve them humbly and selflessly.
This love also requires holiness. Paul’s warning against impurity and greed speaks to the necessity of rejecting the values of the world in favor of the values of the Kingdom. When we walk in love, our lives must reflect that love by avoiding behaviors that dishonor God and harm others. The world might promote selfishness, greed, and impurity, but the way of Christ is the way of purity, humility, and selflessness. In this sense, walking in love requires us to live distinctively—our lives should stand as a witness to the transforming power of God’s love.
Finally, the call to avoid deceptive words and false teachings is just as relevant today. In a world filled with countless voices vying for our attention, it is easy to be swayed by messages that promise fulfillment or happiness through means other than Christ. But the truth is that only by walking in love, according to the example of Christ, can we experience true life. As we follow His example, we must remain vigilant, discerning, and grounded in the truth of God’s Word, so that we are not deceived by empty promises.
Application for the Church Today
As we seek to live out this passage in our personal lives and in the church, several key takeaways emerge.
1. Sacrificial Love in Action
Walking in love requires that we put others’ needs before our own, just as Christ did. This isn’t always easy, but it is the heart of the gospel. In a church setting, this could look like serving in ministry, extending grace to those who have hurt us, and being present for those who are struggling. It means not just showing up but showing up with a heart willing to sacrifice and serve. As Jesus demonstrated, true love often requires sacrifice.
2. Pursuing Holiness Together
Walking in love also means rejecting behaviors that lead to destruction, such as impurity and greed. In the church, we are called to hold one another accountable and to pursue holiness together. This doesn’t mean condemning each other but encouraging one another toward righteousness, urging each other to live lives that reflect the character of Christ. Holiness is not about perfection but about striving to reflect God’s character more fully as we grow in our walk with him.
3. Encouraging Speech
Our words matter. Paul’s exhortation to speak with thanksgiving rather than engaging in foolish talk or coarse joking speaks directly to how we build one another up in the church. Our speech should reflect God’s love and grace. In Philippians 4:8, Paul writes, “Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Our words should reflect these values and be used to encourage and uplift others, not tear them down.
4. Guarding Against Deception
As Paul warns, we must be aware of deceptive influences that threaten to lead us away from the truth. This is particularly important in today’s world, where false teachings abound. The church must remain grounded in the truth of Scripture and vigilant against teachings that distort the gospel message. We must be careful not to be led astray by the empty promises of the world but instead continue to seek Christ, who is the true source of love and life.
5. A Community Marked by Love
Finally, walking in love creates a community that is distinct from the world. As believers, we are called to be a witness to the world of God’s love through our actions, our words, and our relationships. This love must be evident in our community life, in how we treat one another, and in how we welcome others into our midst. Just as Jesus said in John 13:35, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” A church that walks in love will be a powerful witness to the world of God’s transforming grace.
Conclusion
Ephesians 5:1-7 serves as a powerful reminder of the calling every believer has to imitate God’s love and live it out in our daily lives. We are called to walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself for us. This love is sacrificial, selfless, and purifying. It is the hallmark of the Christian life and the means by which the world will come to know that we are disciples of Christ.
Incorporating the lessons from the Gospels, Philippians, and 1 John, we see that this love is not just a feeling but an action. It requires us to pursue holiness, to speak words that encourage and build up, and to guard against deceptive influences. As the church today, we are invited to be a community marked by this love, a community that reflects the heart of God to the world.
Walking in love is not always easy, but it is the path to true fulfillment and joy. As we walk this path together, we grow in our understanding of God’s love for us and are empowered to love others in the same way. Let us, therefore, be imitators of God, walking in love and becoming the fragrant offering that pleases him.
