Ephesians 4:1-3 NIV
"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
Immensely....immensely.
Do you remember your first spelling bee? Mine never made it out of my classroom. I was one of the finalist but stage fright took over. I do not have any idea what word beat me.
What does a Spelling Bee have to do with today's verse? Nothing, absolutely nothing. Yet because you are patient with me, you find that even the most off topic story keeps you engaged. Thanks to the love God placed within us.
Paul was a prisoner and he daily had to put up with the trials of prison life. He had to be patient with those who falsely and wrongly held him. He had to be gentle in his actions and with his words because he held audience with many who did not know Christ or anything about living a life of faith.
To hear that those in the church may have had squabbles only reinforced Paul's desire to show a more excellent way - through the Spirit. The Spirit is with us to help guide our thoughts and our actions. Unity breaks down when peace is broken, so if we are to maintain peace, then it must be through our use of patience and gentleness and humility. Listen to the Holy Spirit.
Who do you need to be patient with today? How can you be gentle with that one person? Are we above those whom we are to serve or are we willing to get on our knees like Jesus to help those in need?
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