Reflection:  The language of ‘household’ is right through this letter to the Ephesian Christians (e.g. 1:10; 2:20; 3:2). Their identity is no longer ‘Jew’, or ‘Gentile’, but ‘in Christ, in God’s household’. They have been brought into God’s family. As such they – and we – are in God’s family. And, like all families, we are expected to bear the family likeness – we are to look like our Father, God, as his children (vs.1). In fact, we are commanded to bear this family likeness! And the likeness is clear – it is the family trait of ‘love’, a love that is committed to self-sacrifice and mercy and grace and generosity, for the good of someone who does not deserve it (cf. Eph.2:1-10). This love is unlike all over false loves – the love of money, the love of sexual immorality, the love of coarse language. This love is driven by thankfulness for what God has done. This love is the family likeness that God’s mob walk in.

Question:  Why, when God’s love is so significant in our lives, do you think we chase after counterfeit and perverted loves? How might we walk better in thankfulness for that love?

Prayer:  Father, thank you that your love for me is undeniable, historically established and permanent in its goodness. Please enable me to walk in the likeness of your character, avoiding perverted love and reveling in thankfulness.  Amen.