Catena Fidei

Ephesians 5:1 (WEB)
Be therefore imitators of God, as beloved children.

Catechism · 1

§1694Part Three · Life in ChristRead at vatican.va
“Following Christ and united with him, Christians can strive to be "imitators of God as beloved children, and walk in love"” — Catechism footnote: Eph 5:1-2.

Origen, Against Celsus VI.63Book VI
“…“our Father in heaven is perfect,” and hears the command, “Be ye holy, for I the Lord your God am holy,” and learning the precept, “Be ye followers of God,” receives into his virtuous soul the traits of God’s image.” — editor's note: Cf. Eph. v. 1 (μιμηταί).
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Athanasius of Alexandria, Against the Arians III.3Discourse III
“And many now too keep the Saviour’s command, being merciful ‘as their Father which is in heaven,’ and observing the exhortation, ‘Be ye therefore followers of God as dear children, and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us;’ many too have become followers of Paul as he also of Christ.” — editor's note: Eph. v. 1, 2.
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Augustine of Hippo, On the Holy Trinity VII.6Book VII
“For it is also said, “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind;” to whom he likewise says, “Be ye therefore imitators of God as dear children.”” — editor's note: Eph. v. 1
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Augustine of Hippo, Sermons on New Testament Lessons Sermon 64
“Hear the Apostle, “Be ye imitators of God as dearly beloved children.”” — editor's note: Eph. v. 1.
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Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor III.12Book III
“Be therefore wise, followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us.” — editor's note: iφρόνιμοι, not found in Eph. v. 1.
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Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata, or Miscellanies Book 3
“Fornicatio autem, et omnis immunditia, vel avaritia, ne nominetur quidem in vobis, sicut decet sanctos, et turpitudo, et stultiloquium.”” — editor's note: Eph. v. 1–4.
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