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Read: Ephesians 5:1-2
Listen: Ephesians 5

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


Paul isn’t simply saying, “Jesus died for you. Now go behave right.” The gospel is the why behind Ephesian believers’ new habits and behaviors. Paul calls them to habits that mirror the way Jesus lived and gave himself for them. The word “therefore” connects their new identity to their new way of living. Because of the gospel—because they are beloved, treasured, adopted and belong—they can live with freedom that prevents hiding. Paul uses the present tense when he tells them to speak truthfully to each other (Ephesians 4:25). They are to speak truthfully and keep on doing it. This is about building gospel-empowered habits of honesty in community.

Like learning to drive, new habits require intentional work at first but then become second nature. For instance, as teenagers, we develop habits of being truthful to our parents about our whereabouts and companions. In marriage, we can grow new habits of telling the truth to our spouse about how much we spend. We build the habit of honesty with our small group or trusted Christian friends about how life is really going. Not everyone needs to know everything, but someone—another wise believer—needs to know the truth. The gospel frees us from pretending and hiding and empowers us to build new habits of honesty.

TODAY: Have a conversation with a trusted Christian friend about your honesty habits. In what areas do you struggle to be fully honest? Who do you need to tell? If you don’t know where to begin, email us at care@adabible.org.