1Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and 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.
3But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. (Ephesians 5:1-3)
Thoughts: There is "love" and there is "love." In English one word describes love for a movie, love for a dog, love for a spouse, love for a friend, and love for God. Verse 2 says walk in love (agape- unconditional love) as Christ loved (agape) us. Christ's love is pure, unconditional, never-ending. In contrast to that is unpure love- sexual immorality. Some say all "love" is pure. But would we say that about the love a rapist has to abuse a woman? Would we say that for someone who has multiple partners that are clearly used to fulfill their own pleasure? There is a kind of love that is lust- a greed for self-fulfillment at the cost of manipulation of another's soul and body (porneia in the Greek - from which we get our word "pornography"- usually translated fornication in KJV- or extra-marital sex). Verse 3 says there should not even be a hint (or even mentioned/named) of sexual immorality or impurity or greed. To be holy (different) as God's own people, we are called to love God with heart, soul, mind, and strength (Physically). This means we control our bodies in holy ways for Him, so that we do not bring a bad witness- as if we abuse other people. Rather, we are called away from lust and called instead to love others as Christ loved us.
Prayer: Lord, let my love be true, pure for others. Keep me from impure motives and impure love. Instead, filter out and away my impure thoughts in exchange for pure ones.
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