“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2
These are challenging times in which we are living. As I say that your mind is probably reeling with various anxieties of our present day. Sorry about that. Nevertheless, this is our reality and a reality that often creates irritability and frustration. Often this causes us to lash out to one another or act impatiently or even rudely. Sad to say, this is happening more and more in these days all around our community with Christians and non Christians alike. This is why the Lord intervenes and exhorts us to humility, gentleness, patients and love. We need all these gifts desperately right now, don’t we? But to tell you the truth, such characteristics don’t come naturally for me. I more often feel prideful, harsh, impatient and self-centered, so when I’m told to be “completely” humble, gentle, patient, and loving, I feel like throwing up my hands in defeat.
Our God is not a God of defeat but of victory. He doesn’t call us to do exercise these virtues on our own, but rather, has empowered us by His grace. Verse 7 of this same chapter in Ephesians tells us, “But to each of us, grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.” (Ephesians. 4:7) What God calls us to do, He works out by His Spirit Who makes our hearts to yield. When we feel irritable or frustrated and the devil is tempting us to pride and anger, we can call upon our God and He will answer with His power and promise. This is the grace we have by our Lord Jesus Christ. To Him be all praise, honor and glory! Amen? Amen!
Know that you are loved!
Peace and Joy!
Pastor Kilian