And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. (Ephesians 5:2)
Love (agape) is fundamentally a decision of the will, not an emotion of the heart. This runs counter to our culture that speaks of falling in and out of love. However, love that acts unselfishly in order to benefit its object is the bedrock of the Christian’s faith and character. Christ’s love is defined by the offering of Himself as a sacrifice to God for our sins. He chose to do that; it was a decision of His will (Jno. 10:18). Similarly, we are to “walk in love” – sacrificing ourselves in the service of others. Deciding to love Christ means sacrificing yourself for Him and for others. “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 Jno. 5:3).