Handled with Love

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” — Ephesians 5:1–2 (NIV)

In our home is an antique doll that once belonged to Janice’s grandfather. It’s not the most attractive doll, but whenever our granddaughter Blair visits, she wants to hold it. I don’t remember if we ever told her the doll is fragile, or if she simply senses it, but she always cradles it gently. And she instructs her younger sister, Georgie, to do the same. Their loving tenderness reflects the same love that has shaped them.

In today’s verse, Paul invites us to love the way we’ve been loved. God created us in love, and through His Son—our example, Jesus Christ—redeemed us in love. As dearly loved children, we are called to share that same loving tenderness with others. The way we hold people, speak to them, forgive them, and care for them reflects the love that first held us.

We can offer God many gifts—our time, our service, our generosity, our patience, our forgiveness—but the source of every gift is love. It is our love for God, for others, and even for ourselves that makes our offerings rise to Him as something fragrant. Without love, our gifts are simply tasks; with love, they become worship.

And just as Blair instinctively handles that fragile doll with care, we are invited to handle one another with the same tenderness God has shown us.

God of love, thank you for your tenderness. From the days of our creation, you have surrounded us with grace, mercy, and compassion. We acknowledge that we have not always done the same. Forgive us, melt our hearts when they grow cold, and grant us the boldness to love. Help us, your dearly loved children, walk in your example. In Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Tim