THOUGHTS FROM EPHESIANS

“…with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:2-3 NKJV). Lowliness, gentleness, longsuffering, and forbearance do not come easily for me. But it helps to see that these verses include the motivation: love, and a desire for peace and unity. My husband is a peacemaker, and he displays great forbearance and gentleness because he’s motivated to preserve relationships. He points out that maintaining peace and unity includes not insisting on one’s own way, but working with people where they’re at. I’ve been through rough times with some of my daughters when there was strife and animosity between us. I don’t want things to be like that anymore, and this motivates me to imitate, by God’s grace, the gentleness and patience of Christ who laid down His life for those He loves. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. “’Be angry and do not sin’: do not let the sun go down on your wrath” (Eph. 4:30 NKJV). God gives us all day to get over our anger! That’s a lot more time than I’ve been giving to the people in my life, or to myself. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption” (Eph. 4:30 NKJV). Thank You, Lord, for letting us feel Your grief when we’re walking in an unloving manner. Then we can turn around and get back on the path of love.