Ephesians 5:1 – “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse calls believers to imitate God, just as children naturally imitate their parents. The foundation for this command is love—God’s love for us and our identity as His children. The previous chapter, Ephesians 4, speaks of putting away sinful behaviors and living a new life in Christ. Paul continues this thought by urging Christians to shape their lives after God’s character.
Imitating God doesn’t mean we become divine, but rather that we reflect His goodness, kindness, mercy, and love. The phrase “dearly loved children” reminds us that this call isn’t about earning God’s favor. We already have His love, which should motivate us to live in a way that honors Him.
Historical Context
Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul while he was in prison, likely in Rome, around AD 60–62. The letter was sent to the church in Ephesus, a wealthy city known for its pagan worship, especially of the goddess Artemis. The Ephesian Christians lived in a culture filled with idolatry, immorality, and corruption. Paul’s instructions were not just theoretical—they were practical and necessary for believers surrounded by a society that rejected God’s ways.
By telling them to imitate God, Paul was calling them to stand apart from their culture, living lives of purity and love in a world filled with darkness. This would have been a radical command in a time when people worshiped gods known for cruelty, selfishness, and immorality.
Theological Implications
Ephesians 5:1 reinforces the truth that believers are God’s children, not by nature but by grace. Through Jesus Christ, we are adopted into God’s family (Ephesians 1:5). Because of this, our lives should reflect our Father’s character.
This verse also ties into the doctrine of sanctification—the lifelong process of becoming more like Christ. Being a Christian isn’t just about believing the right things; it’s about living a transformed life. The ability to imitate God isn’t something we muster up on our own—it’s the work of the Holy Spirit within us (Galatians 5:22–23).
Literary Analysis
Paul’s wording is simple but powerful. The phrase “Follow God’s example” (literally “be imitators of God” in Greek) uses the word mimētai, from which we get the English word “mimic.” This suggests an intentional, ongoing effort to model ourselves after God’s character.
The phrase “dearly loved children” emphasizes the motivation for this imitation. We don’t follow God out of fear or obligation, but because we are His beloved children. This reflects a theme found throughout Ephesians—the idea of living out our identity in Christ.
Biblical Cross-References
- Leviticus 19:2 – “Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.” God has always called His people to reflect His character.
- Matthew 5:48 – “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Jesus gives a similar command to His followers.
- 1 John 4:19 – “We love because he first loved us.” Our ability to love like God comes from His love for us.
- Colossians 3:12–14 – Paul describes the characteristics of God’s people: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
In a world where selfishness and sin are celebrated, this verse reminds us of our higher calling. Imitating God means living with integrity, loving others sacrificially, and choosing holiness over compromise. It means forgiving as God forgave us, being patient as He is patient, and showing kindness as He has shown kindness to us.
This isn’t easy, but we don’t do it alone. God has given us His Word as our guide, His Spirit as our helper, and the church as our support. Every day presents opportunities to reflect God’s love in how we speak, act, and treat others.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
The command to imitate God isn’t a burden—it’s an invitation to experience His love more deeply. A loving father doesn’t demand that his children live a certain way without first showing them love. God, in His love, has already rescued us from sin, called us His own, and given us everything we need to walk in His ways.
Following God’s example isn’t about proving ourselves to Him; it’s about enjoying the relationship we have with Him. He loves us first, and our response is to live in a way that honors Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the perfect example of what it means to imitate God. He lived in complete obedience to the Father, showing us what love, holiness, and righteousness look like in human form.
- John 14:9 – Jesus said, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” If we want to know what God is like, we look at Jesus.
- Ephesians 5:2 – The very next verse says, “and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.” Jesus is our model, and His sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate expression of God’s love.
- Philippians 2:5–8 – Jesus humbled Himself and took on human form to serve others, showing us how to live with love and humility.
When we imitate God, we are following the path that Jesus walked—a path of love, obedience, and self-sacrifice.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- In what areas of your life do you struggle to imitate God’s character?
- How does knowing you are God’s “dearly loved child” impact your view of obedience?
- What practical steps can you take to reflect God’s love more in your daily interactions?
- How can looking at Jesus’ life help you understand what it means to follow God’s example?
- What role does the Holy Spirit play in helping you live out this verse?