Focus
As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God in whatever way that may take place.
Read
25 So then, putting away falsehood, let each of you speak the truth with your neighbor, for we are members of one another. 26 Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and do not make room for the devil. 28 Those who steal must give up stealing; rather, let them labor, doing good work with their own hands, so as to have something to share with the needy. 29 Let no evil talk come out of your mouths but only what is good for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with which you were marked with a seal for the day of redemption. 31 Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. 5 1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, 2 and walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Reflect
Oh, my goodness, what a long list of things not to do. If I’m honest, when I read this scripture there are some things that I think to myself, “sure, no problem.” They are easy not to do. But then, there are some things that I really have a hard time with.
This passage from Ephesians reminds me of a YouTube video that came out about 5 or 6 years ago called “Honest Preacher.” It was meant to be funny, but I can also really relate to it. In the video a pastor looks into the congregation as he prepares to preach and can’t. He hits his head on the pulpit and says “uhhh” as he announces he is going away from his written sermon. Then he says, “you guy’s, sometimes you’re bad. Don’t be jerks. You’re supposed to be good!”
I hear tones of this from the writer of our scripture. We know better, but sometimes we are bad. Jerks even. We can’t always control our situation, but we can control our responses and how we treat others. Verses 4:31-5:2 tells us how to do that. It may not always be easy, but we are reminded to simply love. Love our God and our neighbor. That will cover all the things we are reminded not to do.
Pray
God, we strive to live in a way that is pleasing to you, but sometimes we mess up. Forgive us when we do. Give us the wisdom to understand your ways and strength to walk in them. Amen.
Go with God!
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