THE SHAPE OF KINDNESS
Opening Prayer
Holy Spirit, speak to me as I read this passage.
Read Ephesians 4:25–32
25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”[a]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 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.
29 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. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Footnotes
- Ephesians 4:26 Psalm 4:4 (see Septuagint)
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
How easy is it for you to be kind and compassionate to others?This is a dangerous passage! We must not forget its Gospel context. When that happens, its significance is entirely distorted. Christianity is twisted from a life of grace into a religion of rules.
Verses 25–28. Why does truth-telling matter (25)? What gets lost without it? How is sinless anger possible (26)? Beware of using this verse to justify what you personally assume to be righteous anger! Why does Paul advocate work as an antidote to stealing (28)? Do you see the common thread? We are members of one body, but falsehood, unrighteous anger and theft eat away at its unity. Don’t let the devil get a foothold (27)!
Verses 29–32. There’s perhaps a deliberate vagueness in verse 29 (‘unwholesome talk’/’corrupting talk,’ ESV). At the very least, it calls for thinking before speaking. We should make the most of any opportunity to build up the body (16). In the context of this chapter, what might grieving the Holy Spirit refer to (3,4)? The threat is not that we lose redemption because of this, but we break the church’s unity. Paul doesn’t simply give a sequence of ‘don’ts,’ but offers a far better way (32). The motivation: forgive because we are forgiven.
Apply
Is there a relationship you need to repair? Or someone you need to forgive? Figure out the best way to do that and pray for wisdom and courage to do it.
Closing prayer
Jesus , I don’t want to just walk this journey alone. I want to bring others alongside me. Help me to live for others even as You did.
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