Love Essential #4 Peace – Ephesians 4:2, 3 “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together in peace.”
The followers of Jesus Christ are counter-cultural – unlike those without Jesus who criticize, are arrogant, proud, impatient, always looking for a fight, and never accepting. What are the ingredients of this peace that Jesus desires in the gatherings of His followers?
According to Ephesians 4:2, 3 they are: 1) humility – not focused on themselves; but, interested in what is really happening with others; 2) meekness – gentleness that is disciplined and controlled strength; 3) patience - slowness in avenging a wrong or retaliating when hurt by another; 4) forbearance – mutual tolerance or not ceasing to love one’s neighbors or friends because of faults in them that offend or displease us.
Consistent expressions of these four characteristics breed peace – a prominent ingredient in the love that Jesus mandates for His followers. Made possible through the power of the Holy Spirit, these four make the Jesus followers a gathering to which everyone is irresistibly drawn.
Which of these four need work in you so that your fellowship becomes more peaceful?
Loving God’s simple truths ~ Bob
Wow! Really great message! Is this what I missed last Saturday? It is absolutely what I have been striving to do this week. Has God been talking to you about me?! Thank you for spreading His Good News!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post. I need PATIENCE - NOW!
ReplyDeleteSee how impatient I am?