Ephesians 4:17 – With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.
20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
In today’s reading, the Apostle Paul is giving us instruction on what it looks like to live a holy life. When it comes to living a holy life, many Christians throughout the centuries have focused on sexual sins. A call to live a holy life does, indeed, include our sexuality. However, God’s call to live a holy life does not begin and end with sexuality. In this passage, Paul lifts up other behaviors that should be just as high on any ‘list’ as sexual sins.
Being truthful – at all times – should be on our list. Anger, as well, should be near the top. I am burdened and often broken hearted by the anger I see displayed by Christians. This anger is even displayed in many Christian homes. Let us note that Paul says not to let the sun go down on our anger, meaning that we will become angry, but we should resolve our anger quickly. This passage mentions rage and harsh words, which so often follow anger. Harsh words should never come from a Christian’s mouth. Rage, no matter what the wrong, should never come from a Christian.
Instead of these negative behaviors, Paul gives us some positive behaviors to model: kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness. In chapter five of this letter, Paul discusses our relationships within our homes. These positive behaviors in this passage must begin in our homes. It has been my observation, sadly, that some Christians act differently towards their family members in private than they do at church! Clearly, such behavior is no less sinful than any sexual sin we could name.
Today’s reading ends with the beginning of chapter five: “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ.” Today, let us strive to live life imitating what we know of God. Let us live today a life filled with love!
Posted by Ramón Torres
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