Beautiful Word Devotional #78

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children.

Ephesians 5:1

We can tend to camp on the first part of Paul’s instruction here, and it is an important command: we who love God must follow his perfect example “and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us” (v. 2). But it’s also important to note the therefore and what comes after. How are we to follow Him? “As dearly loved children.”

Dearly loved children have freedom in the presence of their loving parents—freedom to live, laugh, and love.

Does this description match your approach to life? It can be easier to point to someone else and say, “Hey, you are a dearly loved child of God” than it is to declare yourself a dearly loved child of God. But that statement is absolutely true: you are dearly loved by your Creator.

Rest today in knowing there’s nothing you can do to alter God’s amazing love for you. You are dearly loved.

Lord, it’s hard for me to say it, but I am your dearly loved child. I believe; help my unbelief, amen.