Relationships!

Relationships!

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 NKJV

Paul, writing to the church in Ephesus, runs through everything that is important and relevant to the Christian life. He addresses the Old man and its dangers, demands and expected destruction, and he also addresses the New man, and its own demands from all who seek to be subject to it. At some point in our lives, all of us would have to decide who we will be subject to. That decision must be made before eternity is defined and determined, and this means that whatever decision I make will definitely impact the earth, before I am called to give an account before God. Note that both the Old Man and the New Man are put in capital; both are powerful; both demand all that you are and have, so I must fully know what I am getting into before the day of judgment comes. Ignorance will not be an excuse.

For all who want to know who this verse speaks to, look at some of the words Paul uses just before today's extract: "ye have not so learned Christ"; ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus"; "renewed in the spirit of your mind"; "put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness"; "grieve not the Holy Spirit of God". As you read these words, you see very clearly the attributes of the people that today's extract speaks to and make demands on. The words of today's extract are not for everyone, but for those who are ready and willing to submit to the New man. That identity is key to being able to align with the standard, as the Old man by its nature can never conform to this standard. I have to take stock right here and now: does today's extract describes me?

 

The standard is kindness, and I note that nothing is said about the other person's response or reaction. I am not to be bothered about how the other person responds to my kindness, since I do not have to prove anything to anyone. I simply align with the standard as defined by God. Don't forget: the words today are for people who share the same affinity and connection: they have been saved by grace and share a common connection to Christ. That connection is strong enough to confront anything that tries to divide them. I must forgive, not only when it is convenient, but because I know what I have also been forgiven by God. A man who knows the value of what he has received is quick to show the same grace to other people. As I relate with other people, does this understanding govern everything I do?

This example of Jesus is the loudest testament to what God demands from me. What he has done for me is the perfect example of his expectation from me. For to whom much has been given, much will be required from him. How would the world know God, if I do not make him known? How would the world know and understand the love of God if my life, its focus and impact do not reflect that love? I cannot be a hypocrite, or be content taking up the name; there is a demand and an expectation from all who claim to bear the name and identity described above. Would I let the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross go to waste? Would I make a mess of the message of the cross, and the hope and life it goves, simply because of pride or selfishness? I ask myself again: does the above describe me? Does it describe you? As long as there is life, it is not too late to make amends. God's time of favour is here.