"Be ye therefore the followers of God as dear children." (Ephesians 5:1)
The word "followers" means "imitators." It is suggestive of following someone as a pattern, model or an example. It is akin to going after somebody, following how he does what he does. So, in actual context, it can be rendered, "Be ye therefore imitators of God." It simply means copy Him, act and talk like Him, because you are like Him. Someone might ask you, "Isn't that going to far, to say we're like God?"
Well, we didn't even know until God told us so in His Word, through Apostle John: "Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgement; because as he is, so are we in this world" (1 John 4:17). You are not inferior to God, neither are you His counterfeit, just like Jesus, you are the express image of His person, the Word says as HE (Jesus) is so are we in the world. We are like him now.
This consciousness would give you the audacity to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the leapers and be a blessing to the world, just like Jesus. It will inspire extraordinary compassion in you to preach the Gospel and win lost souls back to God. Consider the account in Luke 7:12-15. The Bible tells us how the Master was moved by a widow's cry, whose only son had died and was being carried for burial. The Lord, full of love and compassion, raised the young man back to life.
Like the Master, you must back compassion with action. Express the love of God to others. Romans 5:5 says, "...the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us." Therefore in conclusion, walk in love as Christ also has loved you, so as to maintain a continues Christ like life in you.
Further Study:
1 Peter 2:21-23
Andy Agim
Christ Realities
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