Ephesians 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
As we walk in Love, it will include an offering and sacrifice which includes affliction. Jesus became afflicted for us and we must also suffer afflictions for our brothers and sisters. Our ego must be placed on the cross and be allowed to die. As we walk in Love, the Holy Spirit will move us toward reconciliation and restoration. This does not mean to fellowship with lawlessness but to be a standard by which lawless ness is exposed. Love includes correction, not just some passive acceptance of others who maintain a lifestyle of sin and lawlessness. Paul warns us:
3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints;
4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.
5 For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
Though we must not fellowship with darkness it does not mean we should isolate ourselves from those who walk in darkness. We should minister and restore as we are led by THE SPIRIT. This is one reason being sensitive to THE SPIRIT is so important. Love is actively in the restoration business, even to those who have gone off the deep end of cunningly devised fables. Those who embrace these fables often find themselves there due to being hurt by those who profess to be Christians. The lack of Love is often at the source of the division. The hypocrisy comes to light and alienates those who lack the strength to withstand the inconsistency of word versus deed. As a result, they fall into the ditch. They looked to man to affirm them rather than FATHER.
6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
7 Therefore do not be partakers with them.
Empty words are devoid of truth, there is no fruit. There are those who “write checks with their mouth their body can’t cash”. They talk the talk but they don’t walk the walk. As we follow the path of Christ, we will walk in Love. As we walk in Love, we will take on the Divine Intent of Our Heavenly Father. No longer will we speak empty words or pursue acts of lawlessness. We will walk in the essence of Love and be a sweet-smelling aroma to Our Heavenly Father.