Ephesians 2-4 = Today's thoughts

Ephesians 2-4 = Today’s thoughts

 

Chapter four closes with an instruction that would transform the way work and live together if only it were the first action we chose.  Verse 32 says: “And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”  Where are you on this direction?  Are you the type of person that starts here, ends here or never shows up here at all?  I know a few people who seem to exist in this place and I have to admit, I think they are happier, people more fulfilled, and in possession of deep and significant friendships and influence.  While those who I know who rarely show up here, seem to struggle with superficial relationships, little influence, pessimistic view of life and in general not that happy a person.”  Now sure I am generalizing here some but being a person that floats the middle leaning toward kindness, it is when I lean that way that I find greater satisfaction with my life, my ability to influence and my connection to Christ.  My struggle is almost always, am I getting walked on, am I being taken advantage of, is there any reciprocation of my kindness and my forgiveness.  But as I look through these chapters that isn’t what I am being asked to be concerned with.  I am being asked to be faithful, humble, gentle patient.  I am the recipient of Ultimate Grace. Am I going to extend it to others as well?  I am reminded that I have an old self and a new self, and the two do not co-exist.  If I truly heard and want to faithful the old self must disappear, and the new self must be my new form.  A form that is described in Eph 4:24 as: “and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in the righteousness and holiness of the truth.”

 

Put on the new self and have a great day.

Rob