"And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor." (Ephesians 5:2)
William Sillings writes in this week's "Word Focus":
Followers (mimetes) presents a nice picture. The word means “an imitator.” It comes from a verb form which means “to mimic.” The picture is of a small child trying to be like his father.
“Be mimickers of God, as dear children.” Follow His footsteps. Seek to adopt His personality. Love the things He loves. Do the things He wants you to do. Obey Him from the heart, hating anything that might disappoint Him. What a beautiful picture of the Christian walk!
Walk in love (agape) means “benevolence” (5:2). It is this word that is used so often to describe the love of God — as it does here. The example for us to follow, the touchstone of love, is the love Christ had for us in giving Himself to die for us. It is also used to describe the love of the heart perfected by the Spirit of God.
Walk as children of light (photos) (5:8). Verse 13 defines light for us — “whatsoever doth make manifest.” Manifest (phanerountai) means “to make apparent.” The idea here seems to be that we should walk in light so much that we continually see the truth for what it really is, and not be deceived or go back to darkness.
Walk circumspectly (akribos) (5:15). This word means “to walk exactly, or accurately, or carefully.” Accurate walking is defined as not walking as fools (without wisdom) but as wise (with wisdom).
Source: Galatians and Ephesians, Adult Teacher's Insights, page 75.
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