What Does It Mean to Truly Walk in Love?
Throughout the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he uses the word "walk" (often translated as "live as" or "conversation" in the King James Version) four distinct times. This isn't just about placing one foot in front of the other; it’s a phrase that speaks directly to our lifestyle. It describes how we live outwardly because of the radical transformation that has taken place inwardly.
Jesus often confronted the Pharisees for missing this exact point. He called them whited sepulchers—they looked clean and religious on the outside, but inside they were full of dead bones and hypocrisy. True Christian living is never an outside-in job; it is an inside-out transformation.
1. Walk Worthy of Your Calling
As we journey through Ephesians, Paul begins by urging us to live a life worthy of the calling we have received.
What does a worthy life look like? Paul keeps it simple yet profound:
Be humble and gentle.
Be patient.
Maintain unity in the Spirit.
We strive for this because we share one faith, one Lord, one baptism, one hope, and one God.
Paul then insists that we no longer walk as the Gentiles (unbelievers) walk—with their understanding darkened and separated from the life of God. Since Paul was writing to ethnic Gentiles, he wasn't asking them to change their heritage or become Jewish proselytes. He was saying: Do not live in the darkness of your old lifestyle anymore.
Instead, our transformed life should display real fruit: speaking the truth, doing useful work, speaking words that benefit others, and being kind, compassionate, and forgiving.
2. Be Imitators of God and Walk in Love
In Ephesians 5:1–2, Paul reveals a higher standard:
"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
How can finite human beings possibly imitate an infinite God?
When we think of God, terms like omnipresent (everywhere), omniscience (all-knowing), and omnipotent (all-powerful) come to mind. While we cannot imitate God’s absolute power or presence, we can imitate His relational character.
Think of it this way: if a regular person suddenly received ultimate power (like in the movie Bruce Almighty), human nature often drives them to use it for selfish gain. But God calls us to imitate His heart:
His kindness and mercy
His compassion and forgiveness
His sacrificial love
3. Love Requires a Change of Heart
Living a life of love isn't just an exercise in willpower. It requires a changed heart.
In Mark 7:21, Jesus reminds us:
"For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed..."
Outward actions always flow from the well of the heart. Christ demonstrated ultimate love when He voluntarily laid down His life for us (John 10:17). His self-giving sacrifice was pictured in the Old Testament Levitical offerings—specifically the burnt, meal, and peace offerings—which were considered a "sweet-savor" or fragrant offering to God.
To walk in love means following Christ’s example of self-sacrificing obedience and grace.
4. What to Avoid: Things That Shouldn't Even Be Hinted At
Whenever Paul tells us how to walk, he contrasts it with how not to walk. In writing to the Ephesians—who lived in a hyper-sexualized, idol-worshipping culture much like modern-day "Sin City"—Paul did not mince words.
He highlights three areas that have no place in a believer's life:
Sexual Immorality / Impurity: Seeking self-gratification outside of God's design.
Greed / Covetousness: A continual, insatiable lust for more.
Unwholesome Speech: Obscenity, foolish talk, and coarse joking (taking something innocent and polluting it for a cheap laugh).
Paul warns that living an unchecked life of impurity and greed is actually a form of idolatry—placing our cravings above God. As Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, we are called to "abstain from all appearance of evil" (1 Thess 5:22).
Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks (Matt 12:34). Instead of coarse or corrupt language, the believer's life and speech should be marked by thanksgiving.
💡 The Bottom Line: Obedience Over Sacrifice
It’s easy to get deceived by empty words that tell us our lifestyle doesn't matter because "God is loving and forgiving." While God’s grace is boundless, Paul reminds us in Romans that grace is never a license to continue living in sin.
As King Saul learned the hard way in the Old Testament:
"To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams." — 1 Samuel 15:22
So, How Are You Walking?
Does your daily life reveal that you are a follower of Christ, or are you just going through religious motions—attending service, taking communion, or dropping an offering in the plate?
God isn't looking for outward showmanship. He wants a heart transformed by His love—a heart that desires to walk worthy, imitate His character, and live a life of love.
💬 Over to You
How do you practically work on "walking in love" in your everyday conversations and relationships? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Originally delivered 2024.04.21
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