7 Traits of a Dearly Beloved Child of God (Ephesians 5)

Though parents love all their children alike, there are some who are dearly loved children. Who are they? Those who obey them and do what makes them proud. As God’s children, are we merely children of God or dearly beloved of God? Ephesians 5 begins with a powerful call:

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children” (Ephesians 5:1, NIV).

We become children of God when we accept Jesus as our personal Savior and Lord (John 1:12; Romans 10:9-10). But becoming dearly loved children goes beyond this initial step—it requires a life of obedience and devotion. Ephesians 5 offers seven exhortations that define the life of God’s dearly beloved: following God, sexual purity, verbal purity, a life filled with good deeds and more.

1. Follow God: Imitating God the Father in everything

A child of God naturally follows their parents. This is the first and foremost mark of a dearly beloved child of God. They always strive to imitate God and follow His example in every area of life.

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children” (Ephesians 5:1, NIV).

Following God means reflecting His character—His love, compassion, holiness, and truth—in our actions, decisions, and relationships. It’s a daily commitment to align our lives with His ways.

Reflect on one area of your life (e.g., relationships, work, or thoughts) where you can better imitate God’s character. Take a practical step today to follow His example in that area.

2. Sexual Purity: Keeping Ourselves Holy

“But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people” (Ephesians 5:3, NIV).

God’s dearly beloved stay away from all forms of sexual immorality—adultery, fornication, lust, and more. This is what is proper for God’s holy people. God is holy, and His children reflect His holiness by keeping themselves pure. In a world filled with lustful images, videos, and tempting situations, how do we maintain purity? Why do we strive for it? Because we are God’s dearly beloved, and our love for Him compels us to honor Him.

Purity stems from the love of God within us. Those who love God cannot continue hurting their Father in heaven. Job made a covenant with his eyes not to gaze lustfully at a woman (Job 31:1). Are you bold enough to make such a commitment? If you are married, stay faithful to your spouse. If you are single, keep yourself pure for the one you will marry.

Evaluate the media you consume and the situations you place yourself in. Are they leading you toward purity or temptation? Make a conscious decision to guard your eyes and heart, trusting God to give you strength.

3. Verbal Purity: Avoid double meaning jokes

“Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving” (Ephesians 5:4, NIV).

The words of God’s dearly beloved matter. We must avoid double-meaning jokes, crude language, or profanity. Such speech is unfit for God’s children. Instead, our hearts and mouths should overflow with thanksgiving. When upset, frustrated, or angry, practice saying, “Praise the Lord,” “Thank you, Jesus,” or “Glory to God” instead of cursing, complaining, or gossiping.

Pay attention to your words this week. Do not use F letter word anymore.When tempted to speak negatively, pause and replace those words with praise or gratitude. Let your speech reflect the heart of a child of God.

4. Good Deeds: Living as Children of Light

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8, NIV).

The only way to cast out darkness is to shine light. Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12) and then said, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). He calls us to let our light shine through good deeds so others may see and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

When the centurion who crucified Jesus witnessed His final moments, he exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:54, NIV). Similarly, when people see the light of good deeds in us, they should recognize the Source of that light—Jesus Himself.

Look for opportunities to serve others through acts of kindness, generosity, or compassion. Let your actions point others to God.

5. Seeking God’s will: Understanding what pleases the Lord

“And find out what pleases the Lord” (Ephesians 5:10, NIV).

God’s dearly beloved constantly seek to please Him. This genuine desire drives us to align our actions and words with His will. How do we discover what pleases God? By reading His Word, praying, and following the Holy Spirit’s guidance. The more we immerse ourselves in Scripture, the more our lives align with His ways.

“Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is” (Ephesians 5:17, NIV).

Set aside time daily to read the Bible and pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s will and give you the courage to follow it.

6. Wisdom: Being Wise, Making Use of Every Opportunity

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16, NIV).

God’s dearly beloved live wisely, seizing every moment to reflect His love and truth in a world filled with evil.

Reflect on how you spend your time. Are you using it to grow closer to God and impact others positively? Make a plan to use your time intentionally for His glory.

7. Spirit-Filled Life: Overflowing with Songs, Praises & Worship

“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:18-20, NIV).

A Spirit-filled life is marked by:

• Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.
• Singing and making music from the heart to the Lord.
• Always giving thanks for everything in Jesus’ name.

Incorporate worship into your daily routine. Sing a hymn, pray a psalm, or thank God throughout the day. Let the Holy Spirit fill your heart with joy and gratitude.

Which among these points have touched you the most and encouraged you to make a firm decision to live as dearly beloved child of God?