"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love." - Ephesians 4:1-2

In the preceding context of the passage from which this sentence is found, the apostle Paul is writing to the ancient church at Ephesus about the topic of unity in the church (Eph. 2:11-22). He just shared with them how he was praying for them and their growth into the likeness of Jesus Christ and now he begins to teach them what this looks like in their everyday relationships. He says that how they treat one another will show others whether or not they are living worthy of the call of Christ. Here he specifically calls them to a life of "humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love."

As we approach the holiday season, gathering with family and friends from near and far, this passage could not be more relevant. Hot button topics abound around the dinner table this year. You may even feel like you're walking on egg shells. Use this season as an opportunity to grow in humility: put the interests of others above your own. Use this time as a chance to advance in gentleness: let the tone of your conversations be free from harshness. Use this era in history to pursue patience: remain calm and avoid annoyance. In a nut shell, as Paul puts it: bear with one another in love. That's how Jesus Christ has treated you, go and do likewise. 

For Jesus,
Pastor Mark