Our scripture this morning is Ephesians 4:1-3 (ESV).
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Paul uses the terms gentleness and patience he has referenced elsewhere as fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). He adds humility from Philippians 2:3 to describe the way we are to treat each other, especially in the midst of disagreement. We are to do this in order to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called”, Christ’s Great Commission to “make disciples of all people” (Matthew 28:19-20). When the Holy Spirit came to be among us, we were equipped to carry out the kingdom work Jesus has for us. If we are distracted from this mission, we become ineffective disciples. Paul says we need to keep our focus on what we are here for – to share God’s love everywhere.
Gracious God, help us to be the gentle, patient and humble servants You have called us to be, sharing Your word in the bond of peace with our brothers and sisters. Amen.
