Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 God’s people to be prepared for witness

Ephesians 5:1-21
“and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” V 2

Todays’ Bible portion tells us to walk in the way of love. That means that every step we take should be intentioned with love. Everything we do should be motivated by love. Every decision we make should be directed and steered by love and be free of selfish ambition. 

We know the characteristics of Christian love from 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7. When we find ourselves at a crossroads trying to make a decision, we need to ask ourselves- is this act kind? Is it patient? Is it self-seeking?
The passage goes on to focus our attention on thanksgiving. Thankfulness drives away negativity. It dispels greed and the temptation toward impure thoughts and actions. It helps us to not be self-seeking. Thankfulness or gratitude makes room for light.

Verse 8 directs us to “live as children of light”. Light helps us see clearly, literally and also spiritually. It gives us God’s perspective when our own judgment may get clouded over by earthly thinking. 

Verse 15 says “Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise”. As Christians, we cannot go about life in a carefree and frivolous manner. We have to live with purpose- God’s purpose. And we have to be thoughtful about the choices we make.
 
Verse 17 reiterates, “therefore do not be foolish”. Wisdom is the opposite of foolishness. It means seeking the Lord’s will in your life instead of going about doing whatever you please. When we seek God’s will, it ensures that we are walking in love and living in His light.

The passage warns us against associating with those who are deceptive, and those who influence us to be disobedient to God’s will. So we must choose our community carefully and ensure that they help us live out God’s will and walk in the way of love.
see any kind of reward.
Prayer
Dear God, help us to seek Your will in everything that we do. Enable us to walk in the way of love. And please surround us with a community that encourages us to live in Your light.
 
Thought for the day
Is every decision you make today, however big or small, one that is motivated by love?
Tanaya Kunnenkeri
Carmel MTC, Boston

Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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