Imitate God: Walking in Love
Imitating God in Our Daily Lives
Have you ever noticed how children naturally imitate their parents? I remember when my son Parker was little—he wanted to cut grass just like me. No one had to tell him to imitate me; he simply did it because he was watching, learning, and growing.
Who Are You Imitating?
Think back to your childhood. Did you ever try to walk like your dad, talk like your mom, or dress like an older sibling? Maybe you admired a teacher or coach so much that you started acting like them. Imitation is natural; we mirror those we admire and spend time with. But here’s an important question: Who do you imitate today?
Trends come and go. We see someone famous get a new hairstyle, and suddenly, it’s everywhere. I remember when I was interning in Costa Rica and a teenage boy took a picture of Luke Perry from Beverly Hills 90210 to his barber, wanting the same haircut. But as believers, we must ask ourselves: Are we imitating the right example?
Paul gives us a powerful command in Ephesians 5:1 (CEB): Imitate God like dearly loved children.
This verse is both an invitation and a challenge. It reminds us who we are and who we are becoming. But how do we, as flawed human beings, possibly reflect the perfect character of God? Paul lays it out clearly in Ephesians 4:25–5:2—we imitate God by:
Speaking Truth
Controlling Our Anger
Walking in Love
Let’s explore these together.
1. Imitate God by Speaking Truth (Ephesians 4:25)
Paul instructs: “Each of you must tell the truth to your neighbor because we are parts of each other in the same body.”(Ephesians 4:25, CEB)
God is a God of truth:
Numbers 23:19 – God is not a man, that He should lie.
John 14:6 – Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.’
As followers of Christ, we should be known for honesty and integrity. But let’s be real—telling the truth isn’t always easy. Sometimes dishonesty seems more convenient. Sometimes fear keeps us from speaking up. Yet, as believers, we must stand firm in truth:
In the workplace—resist the temptation to cut corners or manipulate numbers.
In relationships—don’t hide behind lies or half-truths.
In conversations—speak words that build up rather than tear down.
Proverbs 10:9 reminds us: Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.
Speaking truth is not just about avoiding lies—it’s about aligning our words and actions with God’s character.
2. Imitate God by Controlling Anger (Ephesians 4:26-27, 31-32)
Paul continues:
Be angry without sinning. Don’t let the sun set on your anger. Don’t provide an opportunity for the devil. (Ephesians 4:26-27, CEB)
Put aside all bitterness, losing your temper, anger, shouting, and slander… Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving to each other, in the same way God forgave you in Christ. (Ephesians 4:31-32, CEB)
Anger is not always sinful—Jesus expressed righteous anger when He cleansed the temple (Matthew 21:12-13). But unchecked anger leads to sin. Paul warns that unresolved anger:
Gives Satan a foothold.
Leads to bitterness.
Keeps us from forgiveness.
Imagine carrying a backpack full of heavy rocks—each one representing a grudge or offense. Over time, the weight becomes unbearable. That’s what bitterness does to our hearts. Hebrews 12:15 warns: Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you.
Instead, let’s follow Paul’s strategy:
Pause and pray before reacting. (James 1:19)
Resolve anger quickly. (Ephesians 4:26)
Choose forgiveness over resentment. (Colossians 3:13)
Anger doesn’t have to control us. Through Christ, we can choose grace, patience, and forgiveness.
3. Imitate God by Walking in Love (Ephesians 5:1-2)
Paul concludes: “Imitate God like dearly loved children. Live your life with love, following the example of Christ, who loved us and gave himself for us.” (Ephesians 5:1-2, CEB)
What does it mean to “walk in love”?
Love is sacrificial. “Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.” (Ephesians 5:2)
True love requires action and selflessness.
John 15:13: No one has greater love than to give up one’s life for one’s friends.
Are we willing to love when it costs us something?
Love is unconditional.
Jesus loved those who didn’t deserve it.
He forgave those who crucified Him.
Luke 6:35: Love your enemies… then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High.
The Example of Jesus
At the Last Supper, Jesus washed the disciples’ feet—even Judas, who would betray Him. Then He said, “Just as I have done, you also must do.” (John 13:15)
That’s sacrificial, unconditional love.
Living It Out
How can we apply this?
At Home – Love means patience and selflessness.
At Church – Love means unity, not gossip or division.
At Work – Love means treating others with kindness, even when they don’t deserve it.
John 13:35: By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
Final Challenge
As you go into this week, ask yourself:
Am I speaking truth in love?
Am I controlling my anger and choosing forgiveness?
Am I walking in love, reflecting Christ in my actions?
Imitate God. Love like Jesus. Live a life that points others to Him.