“… lead a life worthy of your calling. For you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults, because of your love. Make every effort to make yourselves united in the Spirit…” - Ephesians 4:1–3
Think about every relationship you have for a minute.
Are you always humble and gentle? Do you make allowance for their faults? A pretty tall calling? Not my words. Being always humble and gentle is a life worthy of our calling. Let’s not make any excuses with talk of personality difference. The more like Jesus I am, the more patient I will be, making allowance for the faults of others.
Do I get easily pissy with people? Am I quick tempered? Am I always complaining about the weaknesses or mistakes of others? Do I feel constantly “let down” by others? Am I short with my family? Do I say things to make people look small (Just Joking!) so that I can look big? Do I project an image of prideful togetherness that you want as the standard for everyone?
If this describes me… or could be attributed to me… or defines my general countenance… what do I do with that in light of “always be humble and gentle… making allowance for each other’s faults”? If it does… I need some serious face time with Jesus until it doesn't.
I can’t get past the simple reality that the proof of my faith is Christlikeness. I am not called to be more religious… more moral… or even more nice. I am called to be like Jesus.
