Be Imitators of God
The words seemingly impossible are "the ultimate ideal." In Romans 5:8, Paul tells us "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us". There can be no higher standard than that. The apostle Paul boldly tells us if we are to be like God we must imitate Him.
How is it possible for us to possibly imitate God? Paul gives us the same three instruction that he taught the Ephesians in that we should behave like Him by:
1. Being kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians. 4:32
Mahatma Gandhi, Indian political and spiritual leader asserted, "The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong."
"Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something to forgive." CS Lewis
In 1 John 3:11-12. John says "11we have heard from the beginning" the message that we should love one another, 12 not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother's righteous.
When offended by others
a. Would God forgive you for doing what they did?
b. Is there any sin which God has not forgiven you?
2. By denying yourself for the sake of others.
It's the choice to love God and others. The enemy wants us to believe that we need to "love ourselves". Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. Luke 9.23
3. By serving others: 1Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2walk in love as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. Ephesians. 5:1 & 2
This will happen only as we are rooted, as we believe more and more deeply in the love of Christ for us. "But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men." Philippians 2:7
Through God's grace we learn truth and wisdom. Jesus came as a servant. Because of His overwhelming love for His disciples, He washed their feet.
Learn to serve without recognition from others.
