Ephesians 4:25-32 (NIV)
Read by: Karissa Bodoh
Have you ever found yourself believing that God is like us, that he might act in the world out of bitterness or spite? In seasons where you feel distant from God, do you imagine him passive aggressively holding onto your faults and failures? Or do you imagine him acting like parents, teachers or coaches who haven’t acted fairly, or friends who have lost your trust?
In the chaos and ambiguity of our world it's easy to project onto God things that we most fear about each other. But thankfully God isn’t subject to our insecurities and shortcomings, he’s quick to forgive, and quick to love. Is that easy or hard for you to hear right now?
----------REFLECT----------
1. What guidance in this passage felt particularly relevant to you?
2. Paul says that those who steal shouldn’t stop stealing just because. Yeah, stealing breaks trust with those who are robbed, but there’s more. If we steal instead of working, we also have nothing to give to those in need. We aren’t just saved from something, but for something. Is there a sin in your life that needs to die in order for something life-giving to grow?
3. God is compassionate and kind. And in Christ he forgives us. The LORD is committed to remaking us in his image, not the other way around. We are restored in his image both when we fail and allow him to shape us, and when we forgive others like he forgives. Where in your life do you need to accept God’s kindness and compassion and forgive yourself. . . or someone else?
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Bible Project Podcast: New Testament Letters >>
Bible Project Video: New Testament Letters: Historical Context >>
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