Worthy lives: kind, compassionate, forgiving like God

Ephesians 4:1 (which we’ll read tomorrow) urged readers to live “worthy of the call” from God. In that context, these verses spelled out practical choices to move your life in worthy directions. Treating others with “bitterness, losing your temper, anger, shouting, and slander” greatly harms relationships. Letting Christ change your life from the inside out opens you to fruit like compassion, kindness and a forgiving heart. God works in these qualities to strengthen (heal when needed) your relationships.

• “Paul sums up his advice. He tells us to be kind (chrēstos). The Greeks defined this quality as the disposition of mind which thinks as much of its neighbor’s affairs as it does of its own. He tells us to forgive others as God forgave us. In one sentence, Paul lays down the law of personal relationships—that we should treat others as Jesus Christ has treated us.” * Which of your relationships best approach that standard? In which do you see the most room for growth?
• Scholar N. T. Wright wrote, “People who are enslaved to anger and malice may think they are ‘free’ to ‘be themselves’, but they are in bondage.” ** When have you said words meant to hurt, and then thought, “Why did I say that?” What helps you understand your feelings so you don’t blurt out damaging words? Before you forward that e-mail, or post that tart social media response, are you willing to ask, “Does this give grace? Does it build up? Can I picture Jesus sending this?”