“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;” — Ephesians 5:1-3
Paul reminds believers that salvation changes how we walk. We are not merely called to avoid sin — we are called to imitate God. The Christian life is a visible testimony. “Dear children” carry the likeness of their Father.
We are to “walk in love” as Christ loved us, sacrificing Himself willingly for others. At the same time, believers are warned that impurity and uncleanness should not characterize saints. The world walks after lust, but God’s children are to walk after holiness.
Love without holiness becomes compromise. Holiness without love becomes cold religion. Christ demonstrated both: sacrificial love and absolute purity.
Joseph in Egypt — Genesis 39
Joseph pictures this principle perfectly. When tempted by Potiphar’s wife, he refused her advances and fled from sin.
“How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” — Genesis 39:9
Joseph walked in integrity because he desired to please God more than satisfy the flesh. He chose holiness over temporary pleasure.
The Lord Jesus Christ — The Perfect Example
The Lord Jesus Christ is the perfect example of Ephesians 5:1-3. He walked in love by giving Himself for sinners, yet remained completely pure and undefiled.
“Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:” — 1 Peter 2:22
Christ loved deeply without compromising holiness.
Believers are called to follow His pattern: loving sacrificially while living cleanly in a corrupt world.