Welcome to Week Seven of our Ephesians for Families Bible Study – Love Like Jesus!
The Apostle Paul wrote the book of Ephesians while he was under house arrest. Even though life wasn’t easy, he didn’t spend his time complaining or feeling sorry for himself. Instead, he used that season to encourage and strengthen other believers. Ever since Paul met Jesus on the road to Damascus, his life had been all about sharing the gospel and building up the church. In the end, it was the goodness of the gospel that kept him going and gave him a passion to help believers grow, no matter where God led him.
This week, Paul shows us what a worthy walk looks like in everyday life. He reminds believers that the Christian life is shaped by love—a love we receive from Jesus and then live out toward others.
Note for Parents: I’ve divided this post into two main parts to make this Bible study easier to use. First, the opening section provides you, the disciple-making parent, with a deeper understanding of the passage before you teach it to your kids. Next, the second section focuses on the Family Bible Study, including a prayer, a short Bible explanation for the whole family, discussion questions, a memory verse, and a simple family activity to put the lesson into practice together.
Let’s Study the Bible Together: For Parents
Bible Passage: 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.”
Big Idea: Jesus loves us, so we can love others like Him.
Parent Explanation
In Ephesians 5:1–2, Paul reminds us that love isn’t just a feeling—it’s something we actively live out. As parents, we have the opportunity to model this love for our kids in ways they can see and understand. Jesus showed what real love looks like when He gave His life for us, and Paul calls us to imitate that example in our daily lives. Walking in love means choosing forgiveness over frustration, service over self-interest, and kindness even when it’s inconvenient.
For example, it could look like pausing to listen to your child’s worries even when you’re busy, apologizing quicklywhen tempers flare at the dinner table, or showing patience when siblings argue over toys. It also shows up in small acts of thoughtfulness, like helping with chores without being asked or encouraging a child after a hard day at school. When children see us living this way, they learn what it truly means to follow Jesus, not just in words, but in the everyday choices and actions of our family life.
Family Study Guide: Love Like Jesus
Note for Parents: This week’s family Bible study is designed as a three-day experience, with each day focusing on a different way to engage with Ephesians 5:1-2.
Day One – Study the Bible Together
Opening Prayer
Jesus, thank You for loving us first and showing us what real love looks like. Help our family to see Your love in our hearts and show it in the way we treat each other. Teach us to forgive, be kind, and help one another, just like You did. Open our eyes and hearts to learn from Your Word today, and guide us to walk in love every day. Amen.
Read the Passage Together
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.”
Family Commentary
Paul is teaching us that love isn’t just something we feel in our hearts—it’s something we show with our actions. Jesus didn’t just say He loved us; He showed His love by giving His life for us. That kind of love is patient, kind, and willing to put others first. When we choose to help someone, forgive instead of staying angry, say sorry quickly, or show kindness even when we’re tired or frustrated, we are walking the same loving path that Jesus walked.
Discussion Questions
What does it mean to imitate someone? Who is someone you like to imitate?
Why does Paul call believers “beloved children” before telling them to walk in love?
How did Jesus show love to others while He was on earth?
What are some ways it’s easy to love people? What makes loving others hard?
Share one way our family can walk in love this week at home or with others?
Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for teaching us how to love like You. Help our family to put Your love into action in everything we do—when we play, when we work, and when we talk to each other. Remind us to be patient, kind, and forgiving, and help us share Your love with others every day. Amen.
Day Two – Memory Verse
Ephesians 5:2 (ESV) “And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Memory Activity – Action Motions:
Walk — take a few small steps while saying the word.
In love — make a big heart shape with both hands.
As Christ loved us — point up (to Jesus) and then hug yourself gently.
Say the verse together 3 times with motions before dinner.
Pray Together: Jesus, help us remember this verse every day. Let Your love show in how we talk and act with others. Amen.
Day Three – Family Activity
Review the Memory Verse
Ephesians 4:1+2 (ESV): 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.”
Reflect and Live it Out Challenge
Pick one “Jesus-Love Action” for the day:
✔ Give someone a sincere compliment
✔ Help without being asked
✔ Choose forgiveness quickly
✔ Pray for someone who needs love
Write down everyone’s action and put it where you can see it (fridge, chalkboard, app reminder).
Closing Prayer:
Lord, thank You for loving us first and showing us how to love others. Help us live like You every day as a family. Amen.
Additional Resources:
Ephesians for Families Bible Study | Week 1
The Trailhead – A Devotional for Disciple-Making Parents – December 2025
Family Discipleship: A Biblical Guide for Parents
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