Ephesians 4:32 — “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
How many times have we come out of church soaked to our soul, in the fullness of God’s grace and with the comfort that we only get in the presence of God, only to be brought down to earth with a huge thud just as soon as we turn into the main road because a car cuts us off? It is easier for us to react, to call out expletives, to show signs and body language that exhibit our emotion of being upset. It is the similar route that most of us generally follow as the week goes on and when we face frustrations and situations that cause unpleasantness.
The Bible says that as Christians:
– we should beware of all such discourse. It is our duty and by the blessing of God to try to bring others to think about this seriously and to encourage and warn believers of their conversation.
– we must practise being kind to one another. When we do this, we set forth the principle of love in the heart and the outward expression of it in a humble, courteous behavior.
– we must forgive, as God has forgiven us. God’s forgiveness causes us to forgive. God keeps on forgiving us, though we had no cause to sin against Him.
– we must not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. All lying, and corrupt communications, that stir up evil desires and lusts, grieve the Spirit of God. Corrupt passions of bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, evil-speaking, and malice, grieve the Holy Spirit. Provoke not the holy, blessed Spirit of God to withdraw His presence and His gracious influences.
How can we go about this? When we put away all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander, along with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave us we please God and the Holy Spirit will remain with us. The body will be redeemed from the power of the grave at the resurrection day. Wherever the Holy Spirit dwells as a Sanctifier, He is the earnest of all the joys and glories of that redemption day.
Most of all, let us follow God’s example of compassion: John 3:16-“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” God loves the whole world.
