Ephesians 4: 25-5:2
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger, do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
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. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate with one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
A Thought
When we become a believer knowing that Christ loved us enough to sacrifice his own life as our offering for sin, we must let the Holy Spirit change the way we once lived: We must speak the truth in love to our neighbor and help build him up according to his needs; we must be kind and compassionate and forgive others knowing that in Christ, God has forgiven us. In other words, we must imitate God by living a life of love, goodness, righteousness and truth for God and for others.
Our Prayer
Father reveal to us any sin or unrighteousness that would prevent us from living our life as your dearly loved children. Awaken us by your Holy Spirit to be kind and compassionate to one another while always forgiving and building up others as we grow to become more like you. We ask in Jesus’ name, amen.
