February 3- Ephesians 4:2

THE VERSE

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Ephesians 4:2

THE THOUGHT

What would it look like to be 'completely humble'? Would we ask forgiveness from friends, not just after hurting them, but after being a less-than-godly witness? What would it look like to be completely gentle? Would the sarcasm that so frequently comes from our lips still be there? What does it mean practically to be patient, to literally 'put up with each other' in love? Would we still snap angrily at friends, coworkers, children, spouses?

To get a picture of how all these traits would act in real life, we need look no farther than our Savior, the Almighty God who humbled Himself to the cross, who loved to hold children, who was infinitely patient with His slow-to-learn disciples, and who even today bears with each of us with an amazing amount of patience towards our slow hearts. Let us strive to imitate Christ in our life, and lay it all on the line for the One who laid it all down for us.

THE PRAYER

Jesus Christ, Thank you for your unlimited patience towards me, the worst of sinners, whom You saved for Your glory. Grant me, by Your Spirit, to have Your kind of patience and humility and gentleness.

EXTENDED READING

Galatians 5:19-26
Ephesians 4:31-5:2
Philippians 2:3-8
1 Timothy 1:15-17

THE QUOTE

"God's kingdom is about the display of His glory and people who are holy. This is the change He came, lived, died, and rose to produce." ~Paul Tripp