Ephesians 5:1–2 (NIV) “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and 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.”

Every man wrestles with what matters most — why he works, what he’s building, and who it’s all for.
God settles those questions in one command:

“Follow God’s example… and walk in the way of love.”

Jesus showed us that real manhood is measured not by what we gain, but by what we give.

God so loved the world that He sent His Son.
The Son so loved the world that He came — not to be served but to serve, to give His life as a ransom for men destined to perish.
While we were still sinners, Jesus died for us. He didn’t save us because we were worthy — He saved us because God is worthy to have His creation restored to Him.

That’s sacrificial love: giving up position, comfort, and recognition so others can find life in God.
Jesus stepped down from heaven, took on the form of a servant, and carried the punishment for every sin.
He gave His life so we could be forgiven and live forever with the Father.

Now we are commanded to love like that.
Not because people are lovable, but because they are redeemable.
Every person bears God’s image. Every sinner is someone for whom Christ died.
To walk in love is to join God’s mission of restoration — to see others reconnected to the God who made them.

That means giving up our own agenda.
It means trading the world’s pursuits — wealth, prominence, power — for eternal purpose.
Our calling isn’t to build bigger barns, but to build God’s kingdom through the gospel and obedience to all Christ commanded.
True love gives.
True love sacrifices.
True love acts — doing for others what they cannot do for themselves, not because of what they’ve done for us, but because of Who made them for His glory.

The more we walk in sacrificial love, the more we become like Christ.
And the more we become like Christ, the more our lives smell like the “fragrant offering” that pleases God.

Sacrificial love isn’t a feeling — it’s a choice.
Look for one person today you can serve without expecting anything in return.

Interrupt your agenda for theirs.
Forgive someone who hasn’t earned it.
Share the hope of Christ with someone who needs it.
That’s what it means to walk in the way of love.

Live like Jesus.
Love like Jesus.
Give like Jesus — until everyone you meet knows the God who gave Himself for them.