If you’re counting, we’ve come to our seventh “therefore” in Ephesians. The apostle Paul continually reminded us that the actions he called us to were based on what God has already done for us. Forgive, just as in Christ God forgave (4:32) . . . Live a life of love, just as Christ loved (5:2).
Paul knew the significance of example when teaching others and used the design of imitation often in his letters to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 4:16; 11:1), the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 1:6; 2:7–11), and the Ephesians, as we see here. After showing us specifically how we are to put off the old way of life and put on the new way in Christ (4:22– 32), Paul summed it up in one comprehensive command in this passage, calling us as God’s beloved children, to be imitators of God and to walk in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave Himself for us.
Take heart that you are one of God’s beloved children— adopted into His family, as we read in chapter 1. Now consider, can you imitate someone you do not know? How can you know more of God, in order to imitate God more? Are you living a life of love to be imitated?
By growing in the knowledge of His Word, holding fast & standing firm in Him, in His heart (most importantly). Conforming to the image of Christ by pleasing God with all that we do and say, pleasing Him with all that we are. Being fruitful and showing others your fruit. Sharing the gospel with others! Sharing Christ, not only in your heart and being in Gods Word daily, but loving others by sharing Gods Word. And loving God most of all by sharing His love!