Ephesians 5:2
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 sweetsmelling savour.
Ephesians 5:2
This verse continues the Christlike ethical call by urging believers to walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering. The imagery of love as an offering and sacrifice evokes Levitical sacrifices, signaling devotion, reverence, and costly commitment. Jesus’ self-giving is the ultimate pattern for living; followers are called to mirror that generosity and self-denial. The “sweet-smelling aroma” (a pleasing sacrifice) phrase underscores that genuine love is worshipful and acceptable to God. In the broader context, Paul juxtaposes the new self’s life with the old, urging believers to align their desires with Christ’s redemptive mission. The voluntary, gracious nature of Christ’s sacrifice highlights mercy, humility, and selfless service as the baselines of Christian love.
The verse anchors Christian ethics in the atonement. Love is not a sentiment but a decisive, costly action modeled by Christ’s sacrifice. The phrase “walk in love” ties daily behavior to the gospel’s core event—Christ’s death for sinners. This sacrificial love becomes the standard for relationships, including forgiveness, hospitality, and self-denial. The image of a fragrant offering links the Christian life to Old Testament worship, signaling that new covenant love satisfies God’s holy standard more fully than ritual self-righteousness. Theologically, it affirms the Trinity’s love in action (the Father’s sending, the Son’s sacrifice, the Spirit’s transforming work in us) by faith, producing a transformed community.
Practice self-giving love: consider ways to bless others without expecting return. This could mean sacrificing time for a neighbor in need, choosing kindness over complaint in tense situations, or serving your church or community. It also means resisting self-centered desires that harm relationships—like cutting back on materialism to share with the poor or choosing patient, gentle speech in conflicts. In dating or marriage, let love look like sacrificial commitment—prioritizing your partner’s well-being, not merely your own preferences. In the workplace, serve colleagues, mentor others, and help create a culture of generosity. Let Christ’s sacrifice shape your plans, finances, and daily schedules, turning ordinary acts into acts of worship.
Cross-References: Romans 12:1-2; 1 John 3:16; John 13:34-35; Titus 3:4-7; Hebrews 10:12-14