LOVING LIKE JESUS

August 30

Bible Reading: Ephesians 5

Ephesians 5:1-2, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

For better or for worse, children imitate adults. We know this.  From their youngest years, their small eyes and ears see and hear what we say and do.  They readily soak it all in, and it doesn’t take long until they replicate what they’ve witnessed. In today’s world, children grow up exposed to countless other examples, be they good or bad, through the media and social media.  There are even influencers who work to inspire or guide the action and behavior of others.  Unfortunately, our society is guilty of oftentimes putting forth the wrong kind of heroes before our young people.  People lacking the kind of morality or values worth emulating.  We have need of a legitimate hero!

When it comes to imitation, there is but One perfect example that will never fail us, and that is God Himself.  Be shocked by the exhortation in Ephesians 5:1— “Therefore be imitators of God!”  Imitators of God!  How is such a thing possible?  Such a virtuous path is availed to us only because God has worked to change our spiritual genetics.  We were “sons of disobedience,” being led by the devil himself to carry out the desires of the body (Ephesians 2:1-3).  But God mercifully intervened and caused us to be born again. 

Love comes from God, and it flows freely by the Spirit in the hearts and through the lives of His beloved children.  Such love is the mark of the Christian, even as 1 John 4:7-8 explains, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.  Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.”  Like Father, like son is the expected spiritual reality for those who are born again.  It is so because of the indwelling Spirit whose fruit is love (Galatians 5:22).

The walk of Christ and His willing sacrifice have set the parameters in defining what God’s kind of love looks like.  Even as 1 John 3:16-17 reminds us, “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?”  The example of Jesus is one of putting the needs of others ahead of one’s own, even if it requires great sacrifice. 

Set against the sin-rooted backdrop of man’s depravity and its associated selfish ways, the life of Jesus shines in the glorious beauty of its radical selflessness.  His was a perfect life.  Never demanding.  Always loving.  Always serving.  Its glorious divergence cries out to us from the majesty of His inner virtues.  He’s marked out for all a narrow path of self-sacrifice which beckons to those weary of the broad path’s selfish and hurtful ways.  The cross represents to the believer not only the basis of salvation, it also sets before us the manner of life to which we are called, according to the example of Christ in His self-sacrificing way of thinking and living.  Jesus is the best example to us in every virtuous way, and especially when it comes to loving one another.  We do well to follow in His steps!

I came across this quote recently by Sheri Eckert.  It reminds us that to follow in Jesus’ steps is to take the path less traveled.  But in doing so, we’ve a tremendous opportunity to point other’s in Jesus’ direction.  She said…

“Be that one. That one who forgives when the deep offense has been committed. That one who loves when no one else does. That one who gives kindness to those who are mean. Be that one who looks past the insult, instead of seeing the pain that motivated it. That one who shines light upon those who sit in utter darkness. Because the impact of being that one runs far and wide. It brings healing to the wounded, joy to the sad, and hope to those in despair. Be that one.”

Sheri Eckert

Set against the sin-rooted backdrop of man’s depravity and its associated selfish ways, the life of Jesus shines in the glorious beauty of its radical selflessness.

Oh! to be like Thee, full of compassion,
Loving, forgiving, tender and kind,
Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting,
Seeking the wand’ring sinner to find.

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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