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

Does anyone else have as hard a time memorizing scripture as I do? I participate in a Bible study which encourages scripture memory, but I have found it so difficult to actually do. I decided to get serious about it with Ephesians 5:1-2.

After prayer, I wrote it down on a heart shaped sticky note. Then I took it with me on my walk. As I repeated each phrase over and over until the words began to stick, the meaning of them started to sink in as well.

God’s example was to love us so much that He made our forgiveness of sin his top priority.  As the verse became more alive to me, I said it with more passion.

Before long I happened by someone else speaking out loud as he walked. I assumed he was talking on his phone so I just kind of nodded as I passed. A few steps later I heard a “good morning” so turned around to look.

We struck up a conversation and he explained his autism to me -- that he talks out loud a lot. He told me his name, David. I told him mine and why I too spoke aloud that day. I handed him my sticky note and asked him if I could say the verse to him to see if I had really memorized it. He listened intently -- so intently that when I left out a word, he pointed it out to me. Sweet guy, he took his role seriously. I appreciated his seriousness though and praised God for our encounter.

God, thank you for the blessing of your Word. Thank you for the privilege to memorize it, understand its meaning, and get to share it with others. Help us to always follow your example of love.

Susan Partida