Welcome to episode 25! It's not easy to be patient with others during trying circumstances.
“So I, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to you to live a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called [that is, to live a life that exhibits godly character, moral courage, personal integrity, and mature behavior—a life that expresses gratitude to God for your salvation], with all humility [forsaking self-righteousness], and gentleness [maintaining self-control], with patience, bearing with one another in [unselfish] love. Make every effort to keep the oneness of the Spirit in the bond of peace [each individual working together to make the whole successful].”
Ephesians 4:1-3
- Paul was literally in prison, writing this letter to encourage and strengthen the Ephesians. He used his time wisely and took his eyes off of himself to focus on others. However terrible you think this is right now, it's nowhere near Paul's imprisonment. How can you use this time to not only wait on God and learn patience but also focus on loving others?
- The word for love (agape) used here is not just an affectionate feeling or fleeting emotion. It's seeking the best out for someone, doing things that benefit that person, even if it ”takes away” from you, this type of love is an unselfish type of concern. That type of love requires patience; they work hand in hand. Jesus says it's easy to love those who love you, but we will how much we depend on God when we're called to love those who we might view as an opponent, theologically, philosophically, politically, etc.
- There is no unity and peace without love and patience. We are all members of the same body, and family gets messy. So we need to focus on building up rather than tearing down. Encouraging rather than making sure our disagreements are heard. Listening more than we talk. Withholding non-righteous anger, being humble-minded, and gentle toward others.
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