Ephesians 5:1-2

. . . love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. For he causes his sun to rise on evil people just as much as on good people. And he sends the blessing of rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:44-48)

“imitators” Mimetai Mime Mimic Mimic God

Attributes of God COMMUNICABLE INCOMMUNICABLE Righteous Unchanging Just Compassionate Merciful Gracious Forgiving Good Truthful Faithful Loving INCOMMUNICABLE Unchanging Self-existent Eternal Invisible Sovereign Omniscient Omnipotent Omnipresent

V. 25 - God is always truthful in His speech. He cannot lie V. 25 - God is always truthful in His speech. He cannot lie. We should not lie. We should mimic Him is always being truthful. Vv.26 - 27 - God get’s angry but always expresses His anger in a controlled and constructive way . . . V.28 - God gives to the needs of others . . . Vv. 29-30 - God doesn’t tear people down. He strengthens and encourages us with what He says… Vv.31-32 - God doesn’t hold grudges. He is kind, compassionate, and grace-giving . . .

4 Kinds of Love Storge - the natural feeling of affection that develops among family members in a functional family Philia - the natural attraction that forms between acquaintances and friends, where they enjoy being with each other and doing things they all enjoy. (Conditional love) Eros - the natural kind of attraction and affection that forms between two people sexually 4. Agape - Agape love is thinking and acting in the best interests of another regardless of the cost, regardless of how I feel, and regardless of whether they reciprocate or not. (Unconditional love)

4 Kinds of Love Storge - the natural feeling of affection that develops among family members in a functional family Philia - the natural attraction that forms between acquaintances and friends, where they enjoy being with each other and doing things they all enjoy. (Conditional love) Eros - the natural kind of attraction and affection that forms between two people sexually 4. Agape - Agape love is thinking and acting in the best interests of another regardless of the cost, regardless of how I feel, and regardless of whether they reciprocate or not. (Unconditional love)

4 Kinds of Love Storge - the natural feeling of affection that develops among family members in a functional family Philia - the natural attraction that forms between acquaintances and friends, where they enjoy being with each other and doing things they all enjoy. (Conditional love) Eros - the natural kind of attraction and affection that forms between two people sexually 4. Agape - Agape love is thinking and acting in the best interests of another regardless of the cost, regardless of how I feel, and regardless of whether they reciprocate or not. (Unconditional love)

4 Kinds of Love Storge - the natural feeling of affection that develops among family members in a functional family Philia - the natural attraction that forms between acquaintances and friends, where they enjoy being with each other and doing things they all enjoy. (Conditional love) Eros - the natural kind of attraction and affection that forms between two people sexually 4. Agape – choosing to think and act in another’s best interests regardless of how I feel, regardless of the cost, and regardless of whether they reciprocate or not. (Unconditional love)

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Romans 5:8 - God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Galatians 2:20 - . . . I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Ephesians 5:25 - Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. 1 John 4:9-10 - This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

1 John 3:16-18