Eph 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.
The opening of chapter 4 the apostle gave us a charge to walk worthy of our calling. This was in general the conduct in the church that brings unity in the body of Christ. He spoke of the gifts from God for the edifying of the body. He concluded with what to put off and put on.
The summary and the climax of the chapter is Eph 4:32 “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” This sets the tone for the entire 5th chapter dedicated to marriage, and it begins with a charge to be imitators of God as children.
To become all that God wants us to be is stated in His word. For “3…His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue” (2Pe 1:3-9). To be imitators starts with knowledge of God by His word and prayer.
Paul’s three main points for life and godliness in marriage are displayed in this chapter, the points we shall address in detail but for now note that before there was a family, institutions, or organizations, there was marriage, the best place to be imitators.