Ephesians 5:1-6 (NRSV)
Do not be deceived by empty words
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.
But fornication and impurity of any kind, or greed, must not even be mentioned among you, as is proper among saints. Entirely out of place is obscene, silly, and vulgar talk; but instead, let there be thanksgiving. Be sure of this, that no fornicator or impure person, or one who is greedy (that is, an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes on those who are disobedient.
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.
But fornication and impurity of any kind, or greed, must not even be mentioned among you, as is proper among saints. Entirely out of place is obscene, silly, and vulgar talk; but instead, let there be thanksgiving. Be sure of this, that no fornicator or impure person, or one who is greedy (that is, an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes on those who are disobedient.
Reflection
Live in love for Christ and live in love for one another. We care for each other. Christ gave himself for us as we give ourselves back to Christ. We are a living sacrifice. Happy to be a living sacrifice because of what God has done for us through Jesus and carries on in our world in the Holy Spirit.
All things have changed due to this. Our lives are no longer lived in the kingdom of "Me" but are lived, here and now in the Kingdom of Christ. Our everlasting life has begun. What a change! And in this change is the shift of giving yourself. In giving life, we live life.
Our focus is now on Christ. Our actions follow in his ways. We learn trust, hope, faith and love. And we begin to live these truths. No longer do we live a life weighed down by a bundle of laws, but we live a life freed to live as Christ. No longer are we children of darkness, but we are children of light as children of God. Thanks be to God!
Prayer
I give you thanks, Lord, for your gift of grace and love. As I give myself as a living sacrifice, freed from that bundle of sins, open my life to live the light of love you have shown, that I may do your will and walk in your way... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen
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