Prefaces QTVOTD & BITE (Title Attributions) are being deprecated since I have categories that represent those different types of posts.
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:2-3 [NIV
Tacking onto yesterday, our worthy walk has some characteristics Paul calls out here. One thing that stood out to (and what supports the command in verse 3) is that there are no defensive or offensive intent/objectives in the words Paul uses to talk about our walk and the keeping of unity. Instead, he uses “Humility”, “Gentleness”, “Patience”, and “Perseverance” to describe the ‘keeping’ of unity together as a church.
The way we live out our Christian faith truly matters. It’s not about being confrontational, especially with one another. Instead, it’s about embodying these attributes above. We should give each other the benefit of the doubt and bear with one another. Colossians also expounds on these principles in greater detail in Colossians 3:5-17 (especially verse 12). Let’s look at the Biblical meaning of each of these characteristics of the Christian Walk in unity.
HUMILITY:
A lowliness of mind. This was not something that was regarded as a strength during Paul’s time, rather a weakness. But in Old Testament times Judaism did view it positively. It is the opposite of arrogance, a character trait Paul condemns elsewhere (Rom 11:20, 12:16).
GENTLENESS:
Normally gentleness is a term use in the context of conflict. Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit. Gentleness does not imply weakness, but self-controlled and a tempered spirit.
PATIENCE:
Patience, as described in the Bible, embodies forbearance and self-control. It’s about willingly waiting upon God and aligning ourselves with His will. This steadfastness of character remains unshaken even during trials and tribulations. Patience originates from God, is a fruit of the Spirit, and is closely tied to self-control and godliness. We see Christ exemplifying patience, and it’s through challenges that we grow in this virtue. Gentleness and patience go together hand in hand. In challenging relationships, patience and gentleness band together to not destroy what is there in Christ.
BEARING WITH ONE ANOTHER:
Bearing with one another in love enables us to navigate the conflicts that inevitably arise in relationships. It involves enduring certain behaviors and then actively working through them. Unity demands relational tolerance without compromising on truth.
The pursuit of unity within our Christian communities involves applying virtues like humility, gentleness, patience, and forbearance. Our eagerness to maintain this unity is crucial. It’s not about gaining peace; rather, it’s about actively preserving it. The unity we seek is grounded in the shared Spirit among believers. Love, like a glue, plays a similar role. Colossians 2:19 uses the imagery of ligaments binding the body together. Our intent should be to uphold the unity achieved by Christ’s work in the Spirit.
…and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.
Colossians 2:19 [ESV]
Application:
Sometimes I can have a sinful response to defending something I firmly believe in that does not threaten the 5 non-negotiables of my faith. 1) God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit are all GOD. 2) Only Jesus can save us from our sin. 3) The Bible is the infallible, complete, and sufficient to answer every question true Word of God. 4) Everything to the glory of God alone. 5) Only faith in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus can our sins be forgiven and through that faith be granted (through grace) eternity with Him forever. Everyone in the body of Christ is on their own walk to learn the truths of God through His scripture and the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Only the Lord knows the heart and when I respond in a way that is not humble, gentle, patient, or forbearing, then I am the one who needs to be admonished. Lord Jesus, help me to see these failures in myself and help give me the strength turn around my behavior when I do.
Today’s Psalm:
Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
Psalms 34:19-22 [ESV]
but the LORD delivers him out of them all.
He keeps all his bones;
not one of them is broken.
Affliction will slay the wicked,
and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.
The LORD redeems the life of his servants;
none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.