Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Ephesians 4:2
To be humble is to show a modest or low estimate of one’s own importance. It is not to be proud, arrogant, or haughty. If you look up it’s synonyms, you will see “meek,” “modest,” and “submissive.”
To be gentle is to show a mild, kind, tender temperament. It is not to be harsh, stern, or fierce. If you look up it’s synonyms, you will see “soothing,” “mellow,” and “soft.”
To be patient is to bear pains or trials calmly and without complaint. It is to manifest forbearance under provocation or strain. It is not to be hasty, fed up, or complaining. If you look up it’s synonyms, you will see “stoic,” “obedient,” and “passive.”
To be loving is to show adoration, affection, fondness, and great care. It is not to be cold hearted or cruel. If you look up it’s synonyms, you will see “passionate,” “devoted,” and “warm.”
Now that you have a little better understanding of the key words in Ephesians 4:2, read it again. “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.“
I don’t know about you, but I know I am not always humble, gentle, patient, or loving. Sometimes I seek praise and recognition. Sometimes I’m harsh and snap at others. Sometimes I just cannot wait, I want things to happen now. Sometimes I’m cold towards others too.
I think it is safe to say that at times we are all like this. The question is, how do you handle it? What do you do when you realize you are seeking praise? When you are being harsh? When you are impatient and cold? Do you try to correct yourself?
Because, remember, the two greatest commandments: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. And love your neighbor as yourself.
Don’t you give yourself grace? You work on improving yourself for the better. You love God and want to live like Jesus, right? Putting others before yourself?
So you take a step back when you realize you are seeking praise. You backtrack and start becoming soft when you catch yourself being harsh. You take a deep breath and calm your heart when you are rushing. And don’t you apologize when you are being cold and cruel?
Please keep in mind, though. You give yourself grace when you are being prideful, harsh, hasty, and cold. You give yourself time to correct your wrongful actions. Well, do the same for others. Give others grace when they are acting that way towards you. Give them time to correct their wrongs.
Love your neighbor as yourself and be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Scriptural Musings with Booferchick 