“And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us . . .” Ephesians 5:2 NKJV

“Walk in love,” Paul announced to the Church at Ephesus.  Sounds very spiritual, but I have a feeling they responded as most of us do; “What in the world does that really mean?”

Loving others is a breeze when your co-workers are getting along, your kids are on their best behavior, and your in-laws are three states away.  Showing love is easy when you feel terrific, you just heard a great motivational sermon, and everything is going your way.  It’s not so easy when everyone at the office is fighting, your kids are driving you up the wall, and your in-laws are coming for a nice long visit.  When you don’t feel so hot, you haven’t been spiritually fed in weeks and things seem to be falling apart all around you, the last thing you want to do is “walk in love.”

We have opportunities every day to practice loving others and we continually make choices whether to walk it out or put it off until a more convenient time.  Our “love-training” might come while we’re waiting in line at the grocery store, stuck in traffic, or on the phone with a stubborn telemarketer.  In this school of life, we are constantly learning and the key to success is simply to remain teachable and take advantage of every opportunity for growth and maturity.

Paul elaborated by telling the Ephesians they were to love in the same manner Christ loves us.  Still sound a little vague?  The entire fourth chapter of Ephesians gives us many specifics in achieving this goal – being in unity – telling the truth – renewing our minds – being careful not to sin when we’re angry – not giving the devil a foothold or open door – yet verse 29 puts it into an easy-to-understand-and-swallow-capsule.  Listen to The Amplified translation:

Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word, nor unwholesome or worthless talk ever come out of your mouth; but only such speech as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it.

Now that’s a crash course in how to walk!  Are you up for the challenge?

Andrea Merrell is a freelance writer and editor with a passion to help others see God’s Word as practical and relevant for ordinary, everyday life. She has written material for ladies’ groups, marriage retreats, skits, websites, and brochures, and is currently working on three novels and countless devotions. Andrea is a staff writer and copy editor for www.ChristianDevotions.us and www.DevoKids.com, and lives in South Carolina with her husband (and best friend), Charlie. Visit her website at www.andreamerrell.com. Read Andrea’s devotions