Walking in Humility and Patience

9/8/2024

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

Today’s verse calls us to embody humility, gentleness, and patience—qualities that can be challenging in our fast-paced, often self-centered world. Ephesians 4:2 encourages us to walk in a manner worthy of our calling as followers of Christ. But what does that look like in our daily lives?

First, we are called to be "completely humble." Humility is not thinking less of ourselves, but thinking of ourselves less. It’s a posture of the heart where we recognize that every good gift comes from God, and we see others through His eyes. When we are humble, we acknowledge that we don’t have all the answers, and we don’t always need to be right. Instead, we choose to serve others, just as Jesus did.

For example, consider a time when a coworker took credit for something you contributed to. Humility in this situation doesn’t mean ignoring the injustice, but it means choosing to respond with grace rather than anger. It might mean privately clarifying the situation instead of publicly shaming the person. Or it might even mean letting it go, trusting that God sees and rewards our integrity.

Next, the verse urges us to be "gentle." Gentleness is often misunderstood as weakness, but it’s actually strength under control. Imagine a parent dealing with a teenager who is acting out. Instead of reacting with frustration or anger, a gentle response would be to calmly set boundaries while also expressing love and understanding. Gentleness creates space for healing and reconciliation rather than adding fuel to the fire.

We are also called to be "patient." Patience means enduring discomfort or delay without complaining or becoming angry. Picture standing in a long line at the grocery store or dealing with traffic after a long day. Patience in these moments can look like choosing to pray, listen to worship music, or simply breathe deeply instead of grumbling or letting frustration take over.

But patience goes much deeper in our relationships. Think about a family member who seems stuck in a pattern of poor choices or a friend who continually disappoints you. Patience here means choosing to believe in God’s power to change hearts and allowing space for that transformation to happen. It means not giving up on people, even when it would be easier to walk away.

Finally, we are to "bear with one another in love." This is about carrying each other's burdens and showing love, even when it's difficult. Picture a marriage where one partner is struggling with anxiety or depression. Bearing with them in love might mean listening without judgment, offering support without trying to fix everything, and remaining faithful in prayer for their healing. It could also look like being patient with someone at church who is hard to get along with or forgiving a friend who has let you down time and time again.

To "bear with one another in love" is to embrace others with all their imperfections and flaws, just as Christ embraces us. It’s choosing to see the best in others, to believe in their potential for growth, and to love them through their struggles, just as God loves us.

Think about the people in your life who test your patience or those you find hard to love. How can you show humility, gentleness, and patience with them today? Is there an opportunity to bear with them in love—perhaps through offering forgiveness, a listening ear, or an act of kindness? Ask God to give you the strength and grace to love as He loves.

Dear Lord, thank You for Your example of humility, gentleness, patience, and love. Help me to walk in a manner worthy of my calling today. Give me a humble heart that seeks to serve others, a gentle spirit that reflects Your grace, and patience that trusts in Your perfect timing. Teach me to bear with others in love, just as You have done with me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Pastor Jeff

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