“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.” — Ephesians 5:1–2 (NIV)

One of the greatest contradictions in our culture is that we often love things and use people rather than love people and use things. Imagine how different our families, churches, and communities would be if we used everything God has entrusted to us—our time, talents, resources, and possessions—to love people well.

Paul reminds us in Ephesians 5:1–2 that we are God’s dearly loved children and are called to walk in the way of love. This is more than an invitation to be kind; it is a call to become like Christ.

John Wesley described this lifelong journey as Christian perfection or perfect love. He did not mean that believers become flawless or incapable of making mistakes. Rather, Christian perfection is a heart fully surrendered to God, where love for God and love for others become the controlling motive behind our thoughts, words, and actions. As we grow in grace, love increasingly shapes who we are.

What does that kind of love look like in everyday life?

1. Keep Our Word

God is completely trustworthy. Throughout Scripture, He faithfully fulfills every promise He makes. His character never changes.

When we keep our commitments, follow through on our promises, and speak truthfully, we reflect God’s faithfulness. People experience God’s love when they know our words can be trusted.

2. Keep Time

Our calendars often reveal what we value most. Love is often spelled T-I-M-E.

Jesus was never too busy for people. He stopped for the hurting, listened to those others ignored, and welcomed those who sought Him. He also invites us into His presence, saying, “Come to me…and I will give you rest“ (Matthew 11:28).

One of the greatest expressions of love is simply being present. When we intentionally make time for others, we demonstrate that they matter to God—and to us.

3. Keep Short Accounts

Love does not cling to offenses.

God’s forgiveness is complete. When we confess our sins, He removes them “as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12). Because we have received such extravagant grace, we are called to extend that same grace to others.

Keeping short accounts means choosing forgiveness over resentment and reconciliation over revenge. It doesn’t ignore pain or excuse wrongdoing, but it refuses to let bitterness take root.

Perfect Love in Everyday Life

Christian perfection is not about never failing; it is about allowing God’s love to increasingly transform our hearts. Every day we have opportunities to become more like Christ—to keep our word, make time for people, and forgive quickly.

Perhaps the simplest definition of Christian perfection is this: to love as Christ loves.

As you reflect on this passage, ask yourself:

• Am I becoming more faithful in my word?
• Does my calendar reflect love for God and others?
• Is there someone I need to forgive?

May our lives become a fragrant offering to God as we walk in love, following the example of Christ. After all, the goal of the Christian life is not merely knowing more about Jesus, but loving more like Him.

Next in the Series: We’ve explored what it means to love like God. But what happens when others don’t love us well? Join me as we discover how to respond to everyday disappointments with grace, guard our hearts from bitterness, and continue walking in the way of love.