MERCIFUL
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered Himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
Ephesians 4:31-5:2 (NLT)
How we treat each other matters.
Radical statement, I know. We can read the above passage as a checklist of what we must do. But we must first understand why how we treat others matters. Consider what 1 John 4:20 (NLT) says: If someone says “I love God” but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see?
If you want to know if someone truly loves God, take a long, hard look at how they love those created in His image. If there’s constant anger, bitterness and grudge-holding, how does that reflect a heart transformed by the Spirit? Instead, we must be kind, gentle and forgiving. According to Jesus, God won't forgive us if we refuse to forgive others (see Matthew 6:14-15). The truth is some of us are quick to take offense at even the smallest slight—we must remember that love covers a multitude of sins (see 1 Peter 4:8). For others of us, we have had real hurts and harms inflicted upon us by others. While you must move toward forgiveness, understand that it may take time. And forgiveness does not always equal reconciliation, though this should be our goal where possible.
If you’re struggling with imitating God, as Ephesians 5:1 says, consider spending some concentrated time in the gospels. Study the interactions of Jesus. Look for the ways that He demonstrated love, then look for ways to emulate Him in your day-to-day life. He showed immense grace—giving that which is not deserved, and mercy—not giving that which is deserved. How can you do the same?
APPLICATION: Take stock of your relationships. Consider making a list of all those you interact with regularly: family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, etc. As you look over each name, pray for them! Ask God to reveal how you can glorify Him in how you treat each individual.
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for the relentless grace and mercy You show me. Help me to show that same grace and mercy to others, loving them as You have loved me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?