Friday, Mar 22 | Ephesians 4:17-32 | Haley Fenn
In this passage Paul explains that we are called to conduct ourselves as children of God. The series of verses embodies what it means to put off our old, corrupted self “and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self.” (Ephesians 4:23-24)
While on the surface these verses might be looking to distinguish Christian versus non-Christian lifestyles, Paul begins to show us that living the Christian life is a process. A lifestyle includes both beliefs and behaviors – two very difficult things to change overnight. We are reminded that will not automatically change, but by listening to God we can develop over time.
We are so often filled with conflict, anger, and bitterness. Paul is reminding us how we are to resolve conflict in God’s way. Ephesians 4:26-27 says, “Do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” This verse stuck out to me as I remembered another quote: “If we nurse our anger, we will give Satan an opportunity to divide us.” We should deal with conflict such as anger immediately in a way that builds relationships rather than destroys them.
As we reflect on the passage as a whole we are called to live passionately, resolve conflicts, and speak the truth in the way that God has taught us. Demonstrating the Christian lifestyle is an essential part of our faith. However it is not for just one person to do alone, but for us all to do as the body of Christ. Let us build up our brothers and sisters so that they can help and support us too.
Lord, help us to let go of the bitterness, anger, and jealousy that we are filled with. Help us to “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
Note: Haley Fenn is working as an intern for the Women’s Ministry this summer. She is a student at Baylor University. Haley and her family have been members of Mountain Brook Baptist Church for seven years.
Saturday, Mar 23-Sunday, Mar 24 | Ephesians 3:1-4:32
Reread Ephesians 3:1-4:32 over the weekend. Reflect on all that God has been saying to you through His word this week.
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