Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. – (Ephesians 4:2, NIV)
Always be humble and gentle. Be patient and accept each other with love. – (Ephesians 4:2, ERV)
Be humble. Be gentle. Be patient. Tolerate one another in an atmosphere thick with love. – (Ephesians 4:2, VOICE)
These are instructions for how we ought to interact with one another. Imagine an atmosphere where everyone intentionally chose to be humble, gentle and patient, and accepted each other with love. Many of us have circles that we are in that provide insight to how this ought to look and feel. Among beloved friends and family, this is felt and experienced, yet what we know now is but a glimpse of how God does all these things and more for each of us. His overwhelming love and acceptance ought to propel us to do the same. For me, the more I understand God’s love and acceptance of me, the greater my capacity grows to be humble, gentle, patient and accepting of others. To be humble means that we listen, care, and put each other first, rather than focusing entirely on ourselves and what we want and need. Humility is a willingness to compromise, share, and sacrifice for the good of those around us. Gentleness creates safety to be oneself, and space to learn and grow. Patience is the practice of letting go of our own agenda and expectations, and allowing others to discover who they are meant to be. Acceptance is loving one another in all things and at all times, regardless of whether or not our own expectations are met. Imagine if God only accepted us when we reached perfection? None of us would ever be accepted or know His overwhelming love. May we ever seek the Savior to lead us in humility, patience, gentleness, acceptance and love so that all whom we meet may come to know His goodness and grace.
Choose to be humble,
let others be first;
be patient always,
for better or worse.
Accept each other,
no matter the flaws;
for we all have them,
yet God loves us all.
Allow the Lord’s love,
rise up, overflow;
so grace and mercy,
is what all might know.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to the very things that Your Son showed us by example. Jesus was humble and gentle, patient and kind, and He accepted everyone with His great love. Jesus listened, loved, helped, touched, taught and cared in ways that made God’s goodness tangible. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to do the same. Teach us humility, patience, acceptance and love so that we too, may extend these things to others. Lead us in Your love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to instruct us in the ways we interact with one another. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
This is My command: Love each other. – John 15:17
Revelations In Writing 