Verse of The Day For Friday, January 30, 2009

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love" (Ephesians 4:2 NIV)

The attitude of a Christian is very important, and here the apostle Paul listed three virtues that enhance a Christian's walk. The first of these is humility. In ancient Greek culture, humility was regarded as a vice, rather than a virture, and to be practiced only by slaves, but Paul stated that Believers should be completely humble in their daily lives, and this is the opposite of pride. We should also not promote false humility. Paul lists this virtue first because of his emphasis on unity, for a genuine humble attitude promotes unity among the brethren in Christ, and also acts to counteract one's past pride, so as to promote obedience to and dependence on God. Secondly, a Christian is to be gentle, that is to be meek and this is opposite of being self-assertive, forceful, bullying, rude, and harsh and suggests having one's emotions under control. Thirdly, Christians should exhibit patience, which is the spirit that never gives up and endures to the end even in times of adversity (James 5:10) and is the self-restraint that does not quickly or hastily retaliate when one feels they have been wronged.
Paul now states the manner in which these attitudes are to be carried out in our conduct by saying, "bearing with one another in love and make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" (verse 3). Having attititudes of humility, meekness (gentleness), and patience goes a long way in promoting unity among fellow Believers. Are WE displaying these virtues/attitudes in our daily life?

Pastor Jack Howell
"Some bring God's curse on them by marking off part of the Bible, calling it erroneous, uninspired, less than the very Word of God." - Dr. John R. Rice

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God to salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." (Romans 1:16)

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