Scripture:
Ephesians 4:1-7 (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. There is one body and one
Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—
one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one
God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of
Christ's gift.
Devotional:
Reading verse two I thought of my
kids. It seems I am always saying to
them to show kindness or grace to each other.
Something is said, and another will snap back at them. Most of the time it seems that what I am
saying falls on deaf ears. As I think
about it I wonder if that is how God feels?
He tells us in His word to be kind and gentle. We are to show love and compassion. However, we still snap, fight, hold grudges,
and hate. The reasons vary but the
results are the same.
Close your eyes for a moment and imagine
this. What if ALL Christians everywhere
started doing this? What if we all
showed kindness, gentleness, love, and most of all GRACE to everyone? It doesn’t
matter what they do or who they are.
Reread verse seven again. “But
grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.” That is right, the grace Christ gives is for
everyone not just those we think it should go to, thank God for that… Back to my thought though, can you imagine the
effects and changes we would have on the world if we as Christians showed
unconditional love to everyone no matter who they are, no matter what they do,
no matter their chosen life style, or path?
Families would change, neighborhoods would be different, and communities
would be effected. Most of all Countries
would be become better places to live, regardless of the country or where it is
located.
Jesus did not die on the cross just for
you. He did not die on the cross just
for me. He died for that person we
cannot stand. He died for that person we
choose to hate. He also died for that
other person…
If Christ loves them, just as much as He
loves you and me. Therefore we should we
try to do the same? No, it is not easy. In fact it can be very hard. The good news is we do not have to do it
alone. We have each other but most importantly,
we have the Holy Spirit… You want others
to love you, me too. You, me too, want
to be shown kindness and grace. Therefore,
WE NEED to do the same to others no matter how we feel…
