This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if you do whatsoever I command you. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. --john15

Christ was the greatest example of charity. He gave His life for us, so that we may live again (John 15:13). He does love each of us, and everyone can benefit from knowing this. I know that Jesus Christ lives. His gospel is on the earth today and it can bring eternal happiness.

Charity: The Pure Love of Christ

BE AN EXAMPLE TO THE BELIEVERS IN LOVE

1 Timothy 4:12:Dont let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. Love Your Enemies and Let Jesus Transform Your Heart, for you have heard that it was said, "Love your neighbour and hate your enemy."But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:43-44).

I.

INTRODUCTION

By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another (John 13:35). II. Love is a very deep word that has been shallowly used in every facet of live. Guys have used it to get girls into their beds. Ladies have used it to deceive men into giving them what they want. People just utter this word but do not know what it means. Love is tolerance. Love is patience. Love is forgiving. Love is understanding. Love is giving chances. Love is sacrificing to help another in need. Love is being truthful. Love is kindness. Love allows you to look at everyone and every situation with the eyes of Christ. Love is compassion. Love covers a multitude of sins. Love will never lead another into destruction for personal gain. Love will never rejoice at the downfall of another. Love never gives up but always tries. Love, I repeat, never fails. But you cannot give what you dont have. You cannot know true love if you dont have Christ. There is heavenly love and there is worldly love. The heavenly love comes from knowing Christ and being connected to Him. It comes from allowing the Holy Spirit into your life. Meanwhile, the worldly love is just like the world, temporary. It only really lasts when things are going well. Once things are rocky, it ceases to exist. It is easy to say I love you but it is not easy to show it unless you have the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 13 1. Instructing Timothy to his obligations, Paul charges him to "be an example to the believers 1Ti 4:12 2. The word "example"... a. Comes from the Greek word "tupos" b. Used here in the sense of being a pattern, an example, for others to follow [We shall examine what sort of example Paul has in mind, but let's first stress that Timothy is not the only person who ought to be an example...] I. THOSE WHO OUGHT TO BE EXAMPLES A. MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL... 1. Such as Timothy - 1Ti 4:12 2. Such as Titus - Tit 2:7-8 -- Preachers and evangelists should certainly set a good example for others B. SHEPHERDS OF THE FLOCK... 1. As Peter charged the elders - 1Pe 5:1-3 2. As the Hebrew writer encouraged his readers to follow their faith - He 13:7 -- Elders (i.e., bishops and pastors) should provide an example worth following C. FAITHFUL CHRISTIANS... 1. Certainly true of mature Christians - Php 3:15-17 2. Can also be true of new Christians (e.g., the new church at Thessalonica) - 1Th 1:6-8 3. And true of younger Christians (e.g., Timothy) - cf. 1Ti 4:12a -- All Christians, young and old, should strive to be examples to one another! [Now let's consider...]

III. THE KIND OF EXAMPLES WE SHOULD BE

A. AN EXAMPLE IN "WORD"... 1. Many understand Paul to refer to speech, personal conversation (cf. Barnes)
a. Certainly Christians are to be careful in their speech - cf. Ep 4:29,31; 5:4,12 b. Their speech should be with "grace" (remember Jesus?) - Corinthian 4:6; cf. Lk 4:22

2. Others think Paul was referring to doctrine, what one taught (cf. Clarke)
a. That one teach nothing but the truth, that which accords to God's Word b. Timothy was to be careful regarding doctrine - cf. 1Ti 4:6,13,16 -- Whether in private conversation or public teaching, Christians should set an example of speaking the truth with grace

B. AN EXAMPLE IN "CONDUCT"... 1. The KJV uses the word "conversation"; the ASV has "manner of life"
a. The Grk. is anastrophe - "manner of life, conduct, behaviour, deportment" - Thayer b. "The word 'conversation' we now apply almost exclusively to oral discourse, or to talking. But it was not formerly confined to that and is never so used in the Scriptures. It means conduct in general - including, of course, our manner of speaking, but not limited to that - and should be so understood in every place where it occurs in the Bible."- Barnes

2. Regarding our conduct or manner of life, it should:

a. Demonstrate meekness and wisdom - Jm 3:13 b. Display holiness, reverence, purpose - 1Pe 1:15-19 -- Not only is our conduct to be an example to the believers, but honorable among unbelievers - cf. 1Pe 2:11-12. That Christians should be fervent in spirit is clearly taught elsewhere: a. In reference to good works - Tit 2:14 b. In reference to our service to the Lord - Ro 12:11; Re 2:4 c. In reference to our love for one another - 1Pe 1:22; 4:8 -- Christians should provide an example of enthusiasm in their service, not lethargy!

C. AN EXAMPLE IN "FAITH"... 1. Nearly all translations read "faith"; the ISV reads "faithfulness"
a. The Grk. is pistis - "assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity" and It can refer to either the belief one has (as in God), or to the fidelity and faithfulness of one's character.

2. Both should be true of the Christian:

a. Possessing a strong belief or faith in God and Christ - Heb11:6 b. Displaying the character of faithfulness and dependability - Re 2:10 -- "At all times, and in all trials show to believers by your example, how they ought to maintain unshaken confidence in God." Barnes

D . AN EXAMPLE IN "PURITY"... 1. Virtually all translations use the word "purity"

a. The Grk. is hagneia - "purity, sinlessness of life" - Thayer b. In the NT, used only here and in 1Ti 5:2

2. Moral or sexual purity, both in thought and act, seems to be the idea
a. "There should be nothing in your contact with the other sex that would give rise to scandal." b. "Chastity of body and mind; a direction peculiarly necessary for a young minister, who has more temptations to break its rules than perhaps any other person." As Paul would instruct Timothy later, all Christians should "flee youthful lusts" and "pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace. 2Ti 2:22

IV. BEING AN EXAMPLE IN "LOVE"...

Can the influence of one righteous young man or young woman make a difference in the world? The answer is yes!Therefore Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity (1 Timothy 4:12). Let us firstly define the word love 1. The KJV uses the word "charity"; most other translations have "love" a. The Grk. is agape - "brotherly love, affection, good will, love, benevolence" - Thayer b. A popular definition is "active good will" 2. The love we are to display is to be manifested toward: a. God and our brethren - Mt 22:37; 1Jn 4:11 b. Our fellow man including our enemies - Mt 22:39; 5:44 -- In a world where love is often lacking, Christians should exemplify their virtue. The Saviour Jesus Christ trusts you with His name, which you received at salvation. He trusted you to represent the Church and your family by gratefully living a good life of leadership example. He asks you to be an example of the believers, someone who will draw others to Him, and help Him builds the kingdom of God on earth. So, What Paul taught Timothy also applies to you today because, you like Timothy, are a end time majestic leader model by Christ! You are chosen spirits who have come forth in this day when the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored. You are part of a generation of destiny with responsibilities of building the kingdom of God and You can influence your world through your faith and your righteous example character. Paul knew that of Timothy and I know that of you as a leader! However, rarely do Christian leaders set goals for their ethical behaviour. People are usually moulded morally by what is deemed acceptable behaviour within their own particular culture. This explains the variety of ethical behaviours in different lands. This is not to say that all is relative, because it certainly is not. All societies, no matter how different, still retain some basic moral codes that are similar, even though they may be administered differently. And in some cases a culture can become so depraved that only a faint shadow remains, but these perverted cultures always prove to be self-destructive. The world at large gropes in the darkness of their own understanding to find ways of justifying their actions even against the most basic moral prohibitions in the name of civil authority, religion or a particular cause. But Christian leader have a growing personal testimony of Jesus Christ, they recognize the great blessing of personal testimony, and they desire to share their knowledge with others. Therefore you can share your testimony by your words and your example of love. And then, when firmly planted, your testimony of love will influence all that you do throughout your life. It will help to determine how you spend your time and with whom you choose to associate. It will affect the way you treat your family, how you interact with others. It will bring peace, and joy into your life. Remember you live in a world that is fighting to take away your time and attention. But as a leader you dont have to live with a foggy notion of what is right and wrong. Your Christian love-ethic goes far beyond universal basic moral prohibitions against such behaviours as stealing, adultery and murder. A Christian leader has been blessed with the light of revelation in the written Word and by example to (Ephesians 5 vv. 1-7)! This is why the apostle Paul reminds believers not to be conformed to the pattern of this world (Romans 12:2). There is a difference between good and evil like that of light and darkness (Ephesians 5:8-14), just as there is a marked difference between living spiritually and living carnally or as Paul describes it, between wisdom and foolishness (Ephesians 5 vv. 15-20). I know that you face many pressures and are bombarded with many voices and that sometimes you can become confused about what to do and what is right. But as leader your example of words and actions should show others that you really are keeping your covenants. As you renew and keep your covenants daily, the Holy Ghost will guide you and tell you all things what ye should do (psalm 32:8).

Make every decision you contemplate pass this test:

a. What does it do to me? b. What does it do for me? c. Not what will others think? but rather, What will I think of myself?
And let your code of conduct emphasize on these questions. Be influenced by that still, small voice, of the Holy Spirit. Remember that one with authority placed his hands on your head at the time of your salvation and said, Receive the Holy Ghost and Open your hearts, even your very souls, to the sound of that special voice which testifies of truth. For all these reasons, Paul calls true Christians to become imitators of God (Eph. 5v. 1). Now, that is one tall order! How can we mortals, who have never seen God, imitate him? We may have never seen God in all his glory, but we have seen him in the person of Christ, who is God in the flesh (John 14:8-9). Paul points to Christs example as the one to follow (Eph. 5:2). In this way, all Christians have an example par excellence of what God planned humans to be. Gods divine purpose is to restore and unite all things in Christ and this includes your ethical walk in love. You as a leader might not reach the ethical heights of Christ in this life, but that is where you are headed! Paul beckons you to get a good start in the earth here and now!

So as you live by Christs standards, you will have the guidance and the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. Your thoughts and actions will be different from the worlds, and your example will influence others. You will feel good about yourself and will be a positive influence in the lives of others. You will be happy, and your friends and family will be drawn to you by the light and happiness you radiate. So may I ask you, if a leader striving to live his/her gospel life of love be a worthy example of leader making a difference in this world? Well you know with all your hearts that the answer is a yes! Because you believe that as you are pure in your thoughts, conversation, and actions, you will make a difference as we the church trust and believe in you as a church leader! See, in the days of Paul, the Jerusalem Temple was still standing. Paul was fully aware of the significance the Temple had for the Jews. The Temple was their place of worship, where lambs were still being brought for sacrifices. The old covenant had required such sacrifices not only as guilt offerings but also as offerings of thanksgiving. The smoke and aroma of the sacrifice filled the air and was described as a fragrance pleasing to God. But with the coming of the Messiah, things had dramatically changed! Everything the Temple once stood for was a mere shadow compared to the reality of the God-man Jesus Christ. The ultimate place of worship and sacrifice is now invested in Christ Jesus alone under a new and better covenant. Christ is now the only fragrance of redemption acceptable to the Father. Christs motive for providing such a complete redemption was his love for us. Paul urges the church to live a life motivated by Christs example of love, an ethical fragrance pleasing to God. Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Ephes 5:1-2).

V.

HAVE YOU CONSIDERED LOVING YOUR ENEMY

All of us set goals for ourselves whether they are short-range ones or long-range ones. Of course, this is not always done consciously or even planned out in detail, but nevertheless we are headed somewhere, to understand that the Christian community is called upon to follow the ethical example of Gods love in Christ to a fallen world where exists a vast difference between light and darkness, and between wisdom and folly. Then No matter how bad things are going for us, we have no excuse for not loving others. Sometimes we feel we cant take on anybody elses trouble because we are overwhelmed with our own trouble. Then dont you often think that somehow others ought to help you because your life is so bad at that moment. After all you deserve it Maybe you are broke. Maybe you are sick. You pick the problem, but what happens is you get your eyes on yourselves and on your problems and you dont even see the needs of others, nor are you in the right frame of mind to help others even if their needs were made known to you. That is because you have a natural tendency to be selfish where you need to be selfless.

The reason to love your enemies is that God commands us to love.

Here are some key Scriptures (Bible verses) on loving your enemies:
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another (John 13:34).But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you (Luke 6:27-28).Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse (Romans 12:14).We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it (1 Corinthians 4:12). Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:17-21). Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing (1 Peter 3:9). Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble (1 John 2:9-10).

Our highest calling is to spread the Gospel and help others grow in Christ.

We should be passionately concerned about introducing people to Jesus. Along the same lines, we should be passionately concerned about other believers' spiritual welfare. Study "dissensions" in Galatians 5:19-21 and Romans 13:13.By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another (John 13:35).But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice (Philippians 1:18).  Jesus loved his enemies therefore Make him your example.

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! (Luke 13:34).

FEW HINTS TO HELP YOU LOVE YOUR ENEMIES

 y y y y  Realize that you may have misinterpreted the other person's words. He or she may be distracted. He or she may be busy. He or she may be going through a personal crisis. He or she may be sick or exhausted. Realize that you may be right: The other person may be your enemy.

However, if someone insults you or dislikes you, respond in a Christ-like manner. Don't take things personally or give in to hurt feelings and let your emotions control you. Instead, see the other person as someone with a problem who needs God's help and your prayers.  Determine what part you played in the problem.

You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye (Matthew 7:5).

See problems every as an opportunities to grow in Christ.

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope (Romans 5:3-4).Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds (James 1:2).That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:10).

Forgive . . . even if your enemy does not apologize.

Follow Jesus' example: Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing (Luke 23:34). Follow Stephen's example: Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep (Acts 7:60).  y y y Always pray for your enemies.When you feel irritated about someone: Pray for the other person's needs. Pray that God will help you forgive. Pray that God will help you love him or her.

CAN YOU EVALUATE YOUR LOVE FOR YOUR ENEMIES

 How well do you practice the following verses?

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).  Score yourself from 0-10 on each of the following. "0" means, "I need a lot of improvement.""10" means, "I'm great at this." ____ I am patient. ____ I am kind. ____ I do not envy. ____ I do not boast. ____ I am not proud. ____ I am not rude. ____ I am not self-seeking. ____ I am not easily angered. ____ I keep no record of wrongs. ____ I do not delight in evil. ____ I rejoice with the truth. ____ I always protect. ____ I always trust. ____ I always hope. ____ I always persevere. ____ My love never fails. Love your enemies: Personal application ask you to Write a prayer asking God to help you be more loving toward your enemies and others.

VI. BUILDING LOVING CHARACTER

"Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. Now everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall." (Matthew 7:24-27) The above text presents every person in one of two classes: wise or foolish builders. In it, Jesus is encouraging those who had heard His teachings in the Sermon on the Mount to apply them in their lives -- not to be "forgetful hearers" (Jas. 1:22). Each of us is to be involved in that building process by applying the principles of Scripture to our thoughts and conduct AND MOST IMPOTANLY OUR LOVE TOWARD OTHERS AND GOD, conforming to the will of God in all things -- even "bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" (2 Cor. 10:5). This process is described in Romans 12:1-2, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." The renewed mind one is to have is "the mind of Christ" (Phil. 2:5) which is revealed in the New Testament Scriptures (Heb. 1:1-2). When one allows the gospel to mould and renew his mind, a transformation occurs. He begins to take on the qualities of character that it sets forth that children of God should have. Every Christian must build such a character in (2 Pet. 3:18).

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
Now We are not speaking of one's reputation. Reputation is what others think you are but character is the person you really are. There are many standards people in the world use to develop and build character but for the Christian leader the only correct standard is that which is revealed in the inspired word of God meaning the christlike love standard

1. Jesus: Our Perfect Standard of love

There are many outstanding traits that Jesus possessed that would be good for all of us to have as part of our basic love character. As a child, He was subject to His parents (Luke 2:51; Eph. 6:1; Col. 3:20). He was about His Father's business at an early age, i.e., He was interested in spiritual things while just a youth (Luke 2:49; Eccl. 12:1). He lived, not selfishly, but for others (Mark 10:45; Phil. 2:4). He accomplished God's will in His life (John 6:38). He left an example that all believers can follow (1 Pet. 2:21).In this article, we want to look at His development that is related in Luke 2:52. The four areas in which Jesus grew -- wisdom, stature, favor with men, and favor with God -- are those areas we must emphasize as we look to our own lives and conduct.

a. Our Perfect Standard of love come Wisdom.

To advance in wisdom is to grow intellectually or mentally. Wisdom is "the quality of being wise; the power of judging rightly and following the soundest course of action, based on knowledge, experience, understanding." Wisdom's importance is emphasized by Solomon in Proverbs 3:1326. While one should give attention, especially when young, to his education, he should "give diligence" (2 Tim. 2:15) to gain knowledge of the Bible. A good understanding of its teachings is far more valuable than an education at the finest academic institutions our nation affords.

b. Our Perfect Standard of love comes with Stature.

To advance in stature is to develop physically. Jesus developed a strong, healthy body. Our bodies are to be instruments of our love service (Rom. 12:1; 6:12-13) and temples of God (1 Cor. 6:18-20). There are four essentials to building a strong body: eat proper food, exercise moderately (1 Tim. 4:8) and keep it free from diseases and loving your body as the temple of God.

c. Our Perfect Standard of love comes with Favour with Man.

This is to develop socially. It has to do with human beings living together as a group in a situation which requires they have dealings with one another in love. Man is created a social being: to live one with the other. It is not in man's nature to live alone (Gen. 2:18). He is to be a gregarious being. We need to learn to love people. It makes it easy to live with them. Jesus associated with all kinds of people -- publicans, sinners, Samaritans and cees-phares/or sadus- because He loved them (John 3:16). Jesus always tried to influence those with whom He associated to be better people setting the proper example of love behaviour before them.

d. Our Perfect Standard of love comes with Favour with God.

This is the spiritual development that ought to characterize every child of God. The importance and value of the soul is seen in Matthew 16:26 where it is shown to be of greater value that all the amassed wealth to be found in the world. Basically, the essentials for spiritual development are the same as those for physical growth: proper food, exercise and freedom from disease. The correct spiritual food is the Bible (Acts 20:32; 1 Pet. 2:1-2). Spiritual exercise is the application of the word of God to one's life which results in proper character development and worthwhile service to the Lord and others. Freedom from disease is being pure and "unspotted from the world" (Jas. 1:27) by keeping one's lusts in check.

2. Helps In Building a Character loving leader

As the New Testament reveals Jesus Christ to be the perfect standard by which to measure our love character and personal growth and development, it also offers some guidelines which will help all of us mould our characters into what our God would have them to be.

Learn Self-Discipline in your example of love . Learn to say "no" to self, friends, evil ways, bad habits, etc. Jesus taught self-denial (Matt. 16:24). The apostle Peter taught that "selfcontrol" is to be added to our faith (2 Pet. 1:5-7). A lack of self-discipline is one sure sign of immaturity. Be Unselfish in your example of love. Selfishness, the seat of all sins and wrongdoing, is having too much concern with one's own welfare. It is illustrated in Scripture by both Lot (Gen. 13:8-13) and the rich fool (Luke 12:16-20). It is impossible to make a right decision and be selfish. Moses, in choosing to lead the children of Israel, acted selflessly (Heb. 11:24-26), while, on the other hand, Lot, acting in a purely selfish manner, made a terrible choice which led to tragic consequences (Gen. 13:8ff). Someone has suggested that a good rule to follow is "God first, others second and self third." Use Proper Discernment in your example of love. Be able to see the difference between good and evil, right and wrong, when there is one. Judge a thing not only by what it is but also by what it will eventually lead to if it is followed to its end -- such as social drinking. Additionally, do not choose for the present but the future. The patriarch Lot chose for the present while Moses chose for the future. Have Convictions in your example of love. Develop strong beliefs on all important issues. Convictions, whether right or wrong, create respect. No one respects a person who is "wishywashy." Stand with your convictions even if you must stand alone. Consider the apostle Paul (2 Tim. 4:16) and Jesus (Mark 14:50). Do not be afraid to express your conviction. Consider how the prophet Daniel boldly stated his convictions while a captive in Babylon (Dan. 1).

Form Good Habits in your example of love. A habit is a thing done often and hence, usually done easily. It is a practice, custom or act that is acquired and becomes automatic. There are two kinds of habits -- good and bad. Form good habits in life and abstain from the bad ones. Be and Do Your Best in your example of love. "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might" (Eccl. 9:10). Consider Joseph -- he always did his best whether he found himself as a slave, prisoner or governor. Learn to Think for Yourself in your example of love. Do not be a slave to another's thinking, especially in religion. The importance of thinking properly is stated in Proverbs 23:7: "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." Therefore, control your thinking. "Bring every thought in captivity to the obedience of Christ" (2 Cor. 10:5; cf. Phil. 4:8). Use Pure Speech in your example of love. "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one" (Col. 4:6). Learn how to communicate. A lack of communication causes many problems. Express yourself properly and well. Do not use filthy or profane language (Eph. 4:29). Profanity is scorned by all right-thinking people. In reality, it is a sign of stupidity. The tongue may be hard to control (Jas. 3:1-12) but it can be and must be controlled. Build a Home in your example of love. Whatever your situation in relation to physical family, do what you can to make it what God would have it to be. If you are a child still living at home with your parents, conduct yourself respectfully. Obey their rules, listen to their advice, seek their guidance. If you are contemplating marriage, choose a companion who not only loves you but also loves God. If you are already someone's spouse, apply the teachings of Scripture to that relationship. Husbands, love your wives (Eph. 5:25). Wives, be subject unto your husbands (Eph. 5:22) and love them (Titus 2:4). If you are a parent, bring up your children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:4). Often, happiness in this life and the eternal destiny of one's soul in the life to come is in large part determined by relationships in the physical family. Your true character is tested by how you act and react toward family. Be a Christian in your example of love. A Christian is a person who wears the name of the Lord. It shows he belongs to Jesus and that he is living in accordance with His will. Do not claim to be a Christian if you are not willing to conform your life your love---your thoughts and actions -- to the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9). Behave properly in your example of love. "Be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Tim. 4:12). This teaching is primarily aimed at youth since the apostle Paul told Timothy to conduct himself properly so that no one would "despise his youth." Young people need to behave properly in the home by respecting parents (Eph. 6:1), in school by respecting the rules and teachers, and in public by conforming to established rules. Those who are older need to set the example for the young and be consistent -- not requiring of young people what they do not require of themselves. A good rule for all when it comes to behavior is do not do anything you would not want to be doing when Jesus comes. Be Definite in Aim and Purpose in your example of love. God created everything for a definite purpose -- even you. Be purposeful in living. Do not just drift through life just taking it as it comes. Have an aim in life. Establish proper goals and work hard to reach them. Be determined but not stubborn. Of course, as a Christian, your life is filled with purpose. "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil" (Eccl. 12:13-14). Never forget that your ultimate goal is heaven. That will help you keep focused in living each day in the proper manner.

10

CONCLUSION
1. Are you calling on the Lord out of a pure heart...? - cf. 2Ti 2:22 a. Are you calling upon Him for your salvation? b. Are you calling upon Him for your sanctification?

2. Then if yes let your example be one that illustrates the power of the gospel to impact...
a. b. c. d. e. Your words Your conduct Your love Your faith Your purity

It is never easy being a Christian, but when we look at our calling as a vocation of ethical-discipline via the Holy Spirit, then matters can and do improve. What kind of church (people) do you think we would be if everyone followed our example in these things? Being an example of the believers is not easy. It takes daily effort to remember who we are and what leaders should do or be doing. May we study our Lords example so as to live out who we are: True believers in Christ! May this study motivate you to examine our lives and correct any deficiencies that we may find...then I would like to invite you as a leader to do three things every day that will give you strength and help you to be an example to your family and friends.

  

First, pray every day without ceasing. Second, constantly read and study the Bible every day for at least fifteen minutes. Third, smile every day without ceasing to all. Let us bring this study to Conclusion in your example of love.

We started this article by citing Jesus' statement at the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 7:24-27) in which He emphasized the need for His hearers to base their lives on His teachings if they were going to be successful. He said to do otherwise is foolish. Build your life on the teachings of Jesus. "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: Who committed no sin, nor was guile found in His mouth who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously." (1 Peter 2:21).

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QUESTIONS FOR BIBLE STUDY

Read the following verses and respond to the questions: 1. Ephesians 5:1-7 a. What does the apostle Paul propose? v. 1a. What does he mean by imitators? v. 1b. How well do your own children imitate you? Give examples of habits (good or bad) picked up by children. b. What kind of life are we to live? v. 2a. What supreme example does Paul commend? v. 2b. Why? What old covenant analogy does Paul use to get across his point? Consult the Introduction (last paragraph). Also compare with Romans 12:1-2. c. What three vices are mentioned here? v. 3a. Why are they mentioned? v. 3b.

d. What three other examples of lewd conduct are mentioned? v. 4a- b. Why are these mentioned? v. 4c. What attitude should Christians reflect? v. 4d. e. What is it that we can be assured of regarding unrepentant persons? v. 5. What description of such person is given? Compare with 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. f. What if a person remains an unrepentant sinner? (After all, God is love.) v. 6. Explain. See John 3:36.

g. What is Pauls conclusion on the matter? v. 7. Why?

2. Ephesians 5:8-14 a. What were they before knowing the Lord? v. 8a. Explain what Paul means by darkness. What are they after knowing the Lord? v. 8b. See Matthew 5:14-16. b. What does the fruit/light image represent? v. 9. Compare with Galatians 5:22-23. Do you know through personal experience if this pleases the Lord? v. 10. c. What does the fruitless/darkness image represent? vv. 11-13. Compare with John 3:19-21.

d. What makes everything visible? v. 14a. What does Paul quote to prove his point? v. 14b. See Romans 6:3-4. Note: Many expositors believe that Paul is quoting an early baptismal hymn used by the congregation as they greeted new converts emerging from the baptismal waters.

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3. Ephesians 5:15-20 a. What caution does Paul give to believers? v. 15. Why? v. 16a. Compare with Colossians 4:5-6. b. What does Paul mean by: because the days are evil? v. 16b. See Galatians 1:4; Philipp 2:14-15. c. What contrast does Paul make in this verse? v. 17. Why?

d. What vivid illustration of living foolishly vs. living wisely does Paul make in this verse? v. 18. See Proverbs 23:31-35; Luke 15:13; 2 Timothy 1:7-10; 1 Peter 4:1-5. e. What kind of celebration do believers practice as opposed to those involved in carnal living? vv. 19-20. See Colossians 3:15-17.

Contemporary interaction:
Respond to the following questions: 1. As a believer in Christ, how often do you seriously reflect on your behavior in all spheres of life as becoming of your Christian calling? 2. Do you routinely analyze the moral behavior of our society at large, or do you just go along with the flow? Why or why not? 3. As a believer, are you conscious of the fact that your Christian moral behavior is an example and witness of Christs love for the world? 4. What kind of reputation do you have 1) at home, 2) in the church, 3) among your neighbors, 4) with your co-workers or schoolmates? Are you considered loving and friendly, or a complainer and a grouch?

By reverend Fousseni Ouattara

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