Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children… (Ephesians 5:1). Have you ever watched a son watch his father? The boy studies the man, soaking up the Dadness of it all. Words, clothing, even mannerisms—the child models what he … Continue reading
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Eph. 4:32). There’s an interesting thing about forgiveness. It works for the forgiver as powerfully as for the forgivee. Some of us—and by … Continue reading
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice (Ephesians 4:30-31). Hmm…two pretty important things … Continue reading
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Ephesians 4:29). Beloved, you are in command of one … Continue reading
Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands,that they may have something to share with those in need (Eph. 4:28). There is deep, complex theological meaning in this text … Continue reading
“In your anger do not sin.” Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold (Ephesians 4:26-27). Uh oh. So, yesterday you told the truth, and now they’re angry … Continue reading
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. (Eph. 4:25). We are one body. Therefore, lying to your neighbor is like lying to yourself. Not that … Continue reading
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the … Continue reading
You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus (Ephesians 4:20-21). Do you remember how you came to know Christ? … Continue reading
So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of … Continue reading