Being

DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
BEING

Eph 4:2
2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
NIV
Being humble is hard to do if I am thinking about myself. After all I am capable of a lot of things. I can do a lot of different tasks. But when I consider who I am in compared to God, I have absolutely no problem being humble. But this is not what is being told to me here. No it is in my relationship with others where I am to be humble and gentle and patient, just for a starter. This is an extreme challenge. This is where I really need the Holy Spirits power. I am afraid I do not have much of a reputation of being humble. I think some people consider me to be a know-it-all. I admit I am not but perhaps I do convey that appearance and if so that is certainly not being humble. I need more work more awareness of God’s influence on my heart. I do, however, think I am not a man of violence. I believe I am for the most part gentle. Now do I have a mean streak which left unchecked make me unqualified to be a gentle person? I have to really examine this concept. Yet I do believe basically I am a gentle person, not given to fits of rage and anger. Now if I can actually be humble, and gentle, I still have to deal with this patient thing. To have to be patient with others has to be a work of the Holy Spirit. But what kind of patience am I to practice? Do I simply accept waiting for everyone else to be ready? Or is there a deeper meaning? The Greek word can be applied in two ways. It can be applied in the sense of endurance, constancy, steadfastness and perseverance. It also can be used as forbearance, longsuffering and slow to avenge wrongs. I am not sure which of these is intended in this verse, but both would certainly be a plus in my character. Then how do I see myself in regard to bearing with others in love. This is by far difficult in every sense. To put up with others in love actually implies others need putting up with. I suppose I have to accept the fact others do things that are wrong, or harmful or sinful and I am not to judge them but simply love them as Christ does. I do not think I have a problem with this, but then maybe I am not the best judge of that. I should ask others, if they feel any condemnation from me, or simply the love of God. So much so here, I need more thought and prayer.