DISCUSSION:
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32
In the verses from Ephesians 4 and 5, we find some contrasts between our old ways of living and the new way of living in Christ. Though we are “made new” and “created to be like God in true righteousness,” this is an ongoing process that is not completed in this life.
These verses give reasons for our being called to live as “members of one body.” We must live by the truth and avoid giving the devil any kind of foothold in our lives. Because we can still be tempted to sin, we must pay attention to Paul’s strong warnings about anger, stealing, unwholesome talk, and grieving the Holy Spirit. We all can strive to be kinder and more compassionate, doing “what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.”
And who has not harbored bitterness in their heart? What about “rage and anger, brawling and slander”? Instead we must be mindful of “forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave [us].” In the Holy Spirit’s power, we truly can “follow God’s example” and “walk in the way of love.”