Ephesians 4:2

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love ~ Ephesians 4:2

We are all subject to the grace others may have in their heart. What I mean is that because we are all weak and frail human beings, we are sometimes misunderstood and judged by another, or we just mess up when it comes to what we say and do. As Christ followers, I don’t think we intend to be boisterous in a harmful way toward others, but it may happen. Too often it is easy to become offended by another, or for them to become offended by you. It takes patience and the commitment to slow down and understand where that other may be coming from in their life, for when we do that we can love each other in the way we are told to do. No one can know what is in my heart completely, just as I cannot know what is in another's. I know that I have at times said things knowing what I meant even though I could have explained it deeper but did not. I thought they would know what I meant. But because they were coming from their point of view, and well, let’s face it, none of us are always active listeners, what I say, and even what you say to me is taken the wrong way. Ouch! Watch out then if the arrows start to fly. To love each other as Christ loved us, and as the Apostle Paul writes here in this verse, humility, grace, good listening, and good communication allow us to be patient with one another in love. We cannot let our pride allow offences to rise within us. Not only are offences a sin, but they tear down our love for each other. So next time I feel an offended spirit rising within me, I will work to take the time, and slow down to hear the other with the love of Christ. Its good advice for all.

Pastor Julia

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