Counterfeit Love

(Ephesians 5:3-4)

In the world, which is like the valley of death, God protects and guides us with His arms of love. Those who desire to walk in this love must not only faithfully do what God commands but also resolutely avoid what He has forbidden.

1. Sexual Immorality
Especially, sexual immorality should not even be mentioned. In the world, sexual relationships outside of marriage are often taken for granted, and all sorts of uncleanness are romanticized to promote physical pleasure. However, these acts are completely opposed to the godly love that God has permitted. They are acts of treating the body—meant for God’s glory—with disregard and a self-centered greed that reduces others to mere tools for personal gratification.

2. A Vulnerable Victim
These things are often disguised as love and captivate people. Those who have never experienced true love easily believe that such sweet love will guarantee their happiness. Thus, they chase after it, only to find themselves caught up in the path of sexual immorality. Yet, it does not take long for them to realize that this love is nothing but an illusion. Frustration repeats itself, and eventually lives, worn down by this cycle, reach a point of collapse.

3. The Gratitude Antidote
Let us keep away from fornication, all uncleanness, and covetousness. Lowly behavior, vulgar speech, and sexual jokes are not fitting for Christians. Our words should express gratitude for God’s grace. Those who are ungrateful feel that they have not received what they deserve, and they try to satisfy their greed, even if it means using others. The antidote to this toxin greed is gratitude. Gratitude is the inspiration that makes us aware of what God has given. Let us not lose the inspiration. Let us not be deceived by counterfeit love. Let us walk in the love of God, who guides us to His eternal Kingdom.

Overseer Sung-Hyun Kim