By Michael Yong

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2)

In the Bible, love is never abstract but concrete, never nebulous but visible for our eyes to see. God’s love for Israel was seen in His rescue of her from slavery in Egypt. This event anticipated the love of Christ in His rescue of sinners from their sins at the cross.

To love is to be like God, to take after Him. And the greatest demonstration of God’s love is this: “God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son…” (John 3:16). Just as God gave out of love, Christ did also (Ephesians 5:2). Christians are called to love because God loves (1 John 4:7-9). When we love, we bear the imprint of God, His love-DNA, in us.

Love then gives; giving oneself for others, giving up something for someone’s benefit, seeking what is best for the other.

Love invites. Love draws others to Christ (John 13:35). When we love as Christ loved, we draw others in with our wholesome speech (Colossians 4:6) and with our winsome deeds (Galatians 6:10).

Love engages. Love not only attracts but also engages with others in their anguish and directs them to Christ (Matthew 11:28-30). Love bears one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).

Love sustains, for it is permanent (1 Corinthians 13:13). This is what keeps Christians going, persevering in good times and bad, just as it was for Christ (Hebrews 12:2)

As we walk in Christ-like love, we can enjoy the potential, the possibility, and the reality of having “friends for life,” as experienced by brothers and sisters-in-Christ serving together in SYFC. Read about them in this issue of REACH.