Ephesians 5:1-6

Ephesians 5:1-6
English Standard Version (ESV)

  5 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.
  5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

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  Imitators of God.
  God is perfect in every way, pouring himself out in love, filled with grace and peace, always willing to show mercy to all, even those who despise and reject him.  God is kind and patient, choosing to work for the good of the relationship, even at great cost to himself.
  Imagine if we woke up every morning and decided that rather than pursuing our own agendas and seeking to make things fair, we decided to take seriously the words of God that called us to imitate God, and we selflessly poured out love and peace on everyone we met that day, even those with whom we disagreed.
  The world would be a different place, wouldn't it?
  The Bible speaks a lot about sexuality... imagine if all the people who disagreed on exactly what the Bible meant by sexual sin looked at each other as people to whom they should imitate God, serving and loving those with whom they disagree.  The conversation would be a lot different, wouldn't it?  People could disagree while still loving and serving each other.  Mercy could be shown, and we could respect and love all, while striving for the love of God to be the defining word in the world.