Ephesians 5:15-20 (NRSV)
Read Ephesians 5:15-20 on biblegateway.com
Verse 15Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, Verse 16making the most of the time, because the days are evil. Verse 17So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Verse 18Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, Verse 19as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, Verse 20giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Devotion
“It is much easier to preach the gospel of love for mankind than it is to love single, individual, not very lovable sinners,” writes William Barclay. You can say that again. Love in the abstract is quite different than loving that person you’d rather not speak to again.
These words of Ephesians contain nothing particularly radical about human relationships. Our lives will be better if we “do not let the sun go down on our anger,” or “put away all bitterness and wrath.” But quietly and persistently, these words have more to them than we might think. “Be imitators of God” in these things, says Ephesians. Imitate our gracious God with our words and actions, and not only in grand and obvious ways, but in the simple gesture and outstretched hand. This is to live in love, as Christ has loved us.
Prayer
God of love, move our hearts and hands to your rhythms. Create in us clean hearts, imitating you in love, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.