Scripture Text: Ephesians 4:2a
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
Ephesians 4:2
In the continuation of the study to the apostolic exhortation(s) [of Paul], we have seen the clarity of the transition happened: from doctrine to duties, and principles to practices (1:1-3:21). Again, the apostle Paul is showing the importance for him to discuss the conduct of life of a person truly called by the Lord as seem fit or match for the glorious redemption that has taken place to the life of an individual believer of the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul is not just discussing, but we saw as well that he is urging - I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called. This is not just an ordinary appeal, begging or urging. A prisoner, namely for Christ and His gospel is making this call to impel the believers in Ephesus (and us as well) to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which all genuine believers are called to.
Proceeding now where the apostle urges all the believers in Ephesus (and us as well), he begins with a crucial and essential virtues which are a clear by-product of true effectual calling from the Lord Jesus Christ already taken place: “with all humility and gentleness (v.2a)”. The first virtues laid here are worthy of double attention for all believers, for here we can immediately remember that he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humility is a modest estimate of one’s own worth. It consists in lowliness of mind, a deep sense of one’s own unworthiness in the sight of God [in the sight of men as well]. Humility, where Paul is urging all the believers, in its very core, it describes the noble grace of Christ. And gentleness or “meekness” is the very sure result or product of genuine humility that can be found in an individual whose life is already hidden and united in the Lord Jesus Christ. Gentleness or meekness refers to a mild spirit, and this is possessing a mild and forgiving heart and nature which gives enablement to bear injuries without anger or a desire for revenge.
A walk or living worthy before the Lord is marked by humility and gentleness. Since the aim always now is to give glory and honor to God, we are all exhorted to live with all humility and gentleness, and these are to be accomplished not in any strength of our own, but from the gracious influence and glorious empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Let it not escape our hearts that for though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar. When our Christian identity is marked by humility and gentleness, don’t ever forget this, dear saint: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven; “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
May your heart, dear saint, be truly captivated by this blessedness that you have in Him, and because of Him! May you find yourself, together with the psalmist, acclaiming, bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits! who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Ultimately, the enjoyment of God in Christ is the only joy and happiness with which our souls can be truly and magnificently satisfied.
Desire to know Him more, who has loved you unconditionally and eternally! Thirst and long for Him! Be in awe of Him—the darling of Heaven! He is all yours… He is all-perfect, all-holy, all-glorious!
Hear this then, dear saint: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Christ is all that we have! Christ is all that we need!
Take heart, dear saint!
Reflect
1. Are you living a life worthy of the calling with which you have been called to as a believer of the Lord?
2. Is your life marked by humility and gentleness?
3. Do you continue to grow in need of His grace?
4. Do you desire and long to love Him more, as you ought to be?
Remember
Every blessing from God and our Father are means to keep us back to our chief end—to glorify God and enjoy Him forever! Live your life therefore for the praise of His glory, and continue to live out your blessedness in Him!
Pray
Father in heaven, I come before You through Your Son, to grant me the grace to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which You have called me, that I may reflect Your Son’s likeness, in all that I do. Help me to cultivate a heart filled with humility and gentleness, reflecting the love and compassion You have shown me. Grant me this grace, Father, for I ask this in my Lord’s name, Jesus. Amen.
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