I was reading in chapter 4 verse 32 of Ephesians. It says, “And be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another even as God in Christ has forgiven you.” There are a few things to look at here. First, it’s a great reminder that we need to be kind to each other. We need to be kind to everyone we come in contact with actually. If we are to “Love others as we love ourselves,” and “Love our neighbor as ourselves,” then we need to learn to show kindness to whomever we come in contact with.
You ever had a bad day? Or maybe you’ve had a bad week or a bad month. Some folks seem to have bad lives, where nothing ever seems to go right for them. I think that we as Christians need to keep this in mind when we are dealing with people. We never know what someone is going through. Look at the writer of this Epistle, the Apostle Paul. He had been imprisoned, shipwrecked, beaten, stoned and attacked from every side but yet he knew that God was on the throne and He was looking out for him. He wrote these words, “Be kind to one another.” We need to keep in mind that we don’t know what everyone is going through when we’re dealing with them. If we knew what they were going through, we might just understand why they’re a big ‘ole grouch!
So maybe instead of being mad about their attitude we should try and encourage them and show them the same love Jesus shows us even when we don’t deserve it. Which in my case is all of the time!
Then Paul writes, “Forgiving one another even as God in Christ has forgiven you.” Each one of us that knows Christ as our personal Savior knows that we do not deserve this kind of forgiveness! We deserve death, but Christ died on the cross for us so we don’t have to die and spend an eternity separated from Him! What a deal! He did it all and forgave us so we need to show the same to everyone, especially our brother’s and sister’s in Christ. I know it sounds simple and in reality it’s hard, but with enough prayer we can get it done! We can become like our Savior, Jesus! Pray for me and I’ll pray for you that we can get this done!
Please let me know if you need anything. Naomi and I love you all.
-Pastor Steve