When we read the Ephesians text for today, it comes across very directly. One could even interpret it legalistically. “This is what we have to do if we are to live as Christians!” And that’s a good thing. The Word tells us that law is good. Right back in Old Testament times when the law was given, it came with this postscript of assurance “Do this and you will live”.
Jesus says the same thing in Luke 10: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ ” 28“You have answered correctly,” Jesus said. “Do this and you will live.” The law is God’s gift to us, and it is good!
The Apostle Pauls also acknowledges that the law is good: Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it legitimately. (1 Timothy 1:8)  The Apostle Paul writes in the context of the Gospel. Knowing that we are loved by God, we will want to live in ways that please God and bless others. And so what he writes in Ephesians 4 is in some ways a manifesto of ‘Faith Rules’. He might also have added: ‘Live like this and you will live well!’ But that’s not his end point. His end point is this: “Let Love Be Your Guide” that’s using the law legitimately – as a gift of God, meant to be an expression of Faith that brings blessing.
We have been loved by God: because he loved us so deeply, we will love others. This is not a list of rules and regulations for living the faith, but a manifesto of love. When we live in Faith, we live in love, and Faith Rules! It is living life to the max. OK?