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)
With tender humility and quiet patience, always demonstrate gentleness and generous love toward one another, especially those who may try your patience. – (Ephesians 4:2, TPT)
These are words to live by, yet among the most challenging. The Passions Translation is particularly profound, as the “especially those who may try your patience” portion is the reality that confronts and challenges me most. As a middle school teacher, this is not difficult to find, and daily, I am afforded countless opportunities to put this into practice. Some days are more successful than others. Thankfully, I have a calm demeanor, so even when my patience is pushed past where it belongs, the momentary lack of love that I feel is not nearly as evident as it could be. That being said, I need Jesus every minute of every day to be humble and gentle, patient and loving, especially with those who try my patience. On my own, my inner thoughts would spew out in ugliness, rather than the still small voice within, that reminds me to breathe, and that kids need kindness and grace. May we seek the Lord and His goodness, so that we may be equipped to live humbly and gently, patiently accepting one another in love.
For we are all called, 
Be humble and kind;
Extend others grace,
Life by love defined.
We must have patience,
That’s fueled by love;
The will to proceed,
Like the Lord above.
For what is our life,
If not led by love?
Our purpose is plain,
Forever choose love.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to love one another as You first loved us. Thank You that You give us specific instructions as to how to love well. Forgive us for the times that we have lacked humility or kindness, patience or acceptance through love. Teach us to trust and depend on You to love as You call us to love. Show us how to love those around us in ways that extend patience and kindness, gentleness and acceptance. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we rely on You to equip us to love as we were designed to love. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34
Revelations In Writing 