Read: Ephesians 4:1-2 Listen: Ephesians 4

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:1-2

Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus begins with an extended introduction that outlines and unpacks a believer’s true identity. Those in Christ are no longer defined by their sin and shame but by the work of Christ and what he secured on their behalf. Believers have been adopted, redeemed and sealed by the Spirit. It is these truths that are to shape and form how believers live today. Followers of Jesus are to allow their gospel-shaped identity to fuel gospel-shaped living.

As the church in Ephesus was “under construction,” so are we. We all have much room for growth and maturing. Just as the work of Christ empowered the transformation of the church in Ephesus, so it will empower transformation in us. Within the church, we are all on a continuum of spiritual growth and maturity. So, rather than get overly upset when a fellow believer disappoints or lets us down, we can extend grace and remember that we are all works in progress. As Paul commanded the believers in Ephesus, we can be people who are humble and gentle, bearing with one another in love.

TODAY: Identify one area of your life where you need to grow. Consider the commands in Ephesians 4:2 to be humble, gentle and patient. Ask God for grace and help to grow in the area you identified. As you pray, commit to a new habit or pattern that exemplifies humility, gentleness or patience.