Ephesians 4:2, “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowances for each other’s faults because of your love.” NLT
The word “always” means perpetually, incessantly, continually, and the idea of a continuous practice carried on without being abandoned. Paul taught what the character of a worthy walk was always to be. Peter taught in 1 Peter 3:15, “Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.” We are always to be prepared to tell others what Christ has done in our lives. If we had that mindset, if I had that mindset, I have to ask myself: wouldn’t I “always” then be humble, gentle, patient with others, and what is Paul stating? Really? Am I always supposed to make allowances for others’ faults because of my love for them, and then guide and motivate them to do better? Yes, he is. This is biblical truth for keeping unity in the church that Paul was teaching about in having oneness in their union with Christ by faith. We in the body of Christ complement one another, and Paul wrote this letter to strengthen and encourage the church in Ephesus and neighboring local churches. Keep thinking about what we should “always” be acting as; this verse also applies to other areas of our lives where we work and serve as we are ambassadors for Christ wherever we go.
Now look at what Paul taught Christians should do in Colossians 3:12, “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” There it is again! Making allowances for each other’s faults with the requirement of remembering how much God has forgiven us. That is the key to not giving in to the temptation of anger, anxiety, and fear. If we always lived with a humble and gentle attitude towards others and were patient with their shortcomings because of our love for Christ and all He has done in our lives, “always” should be doable. It’s one thing to know the truth of the Good News of having a new life in Christ, but to live it “always” before others negates anger, anxiety, and fear, all because of having a righteous and biblical perspective. Can I always be kind, show mercy, humility, gentleness, and patience, and not be offended and not hold grudges? No, but with the Holy Spirit’s help, and by asking God to help me understand all I need to know about Him, the workings of His Spirit in my life, giving Him my worship, praise, and confessing my sins that offend Him (Ps. 139:23-24), as He knows my heart, I will get there one day at a time. How about you, which “always” do you need to work on?
Listen to Matthew West – Here And Heaven (Lyric Video).