Devotion: Ephesians 4:2

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

Today’s look at patience deals with how we should interact with one another and the attitude we should have. In it, Paul calls us to live in a manner worthy of our calling by embodying four key virtues – humility, gentleness, patience, and loving tolerance. This is done so that we might be able to maintain unity within the church. It calls for a Christ-like mindset that replaces pride and anger with grace and endurance toward others.

Paul breaks it down into four key components. The first of these is humility. We are to have an appropriate view of ourselves, not valuing our lives and our needs over those of our brethren. It is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less, and recognizing our place before God. Following that is gentleness. Some translations call it meekness rather than gentleness. Regardless of the translation, we are to be kind in our interactions with others.

Then we have patience. This is the ability to endure difficult situations or people without becoming angry, retaliating, or giving up. It is in our patience that we bear with one another, responding with love and grace. We purposely choose to ignore shortcomings in others, instead offering a patient, loving response that encourages and builds them up.

This verse follows the call to walk worthy of the calling (Eph 4:1) and serves as a foundation for unity in the body of Christ. These are virtues we choose to cultivate within ourselves. They are not natural traits but rather the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) developed through daily submission to God. When we choose these virtues, we are reflecting the character of Jesus.

Are you living a life of patience and love when it comes to your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ? Patience is not always the easiest way to respond but with the Spirit as our guide, we can.

Prayer: Lord, I want to walk in a way that is worthy of You. Guide me as I respond to others with humility and gentleness, showing patience and love to all. Amen

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