Be completely humble and gentle
Ephesians 4:2 - When a modern-day church reaches out in mission to those who are poor, suffering, or persecuted, it demonstrates Christ’s love in a tangible way.
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
Ephesians 4:2 NIV
Humility and gentleness are positive human traits found throughout the Old and New Testaments. In this verse from Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians, the Apostle urges the people of the church of Ephesus to live with humility, gentleness, patience, and love. All of these are Christian virtues that we should strive to make the foundation of our faith.
In the biblical sense, humility means that a person is cognizant of his or her own limitations and — conversely — the greatness of God. It is a recognition of putting others ahead of oneself as a reflection of Christ (see Philippians 2:3-8 for a description of this attribute in Jesus).
Being gentle or meek doesn’t mean that a person is weak, but has his or her strength under control. As personified by Jesus in Matthew 11:29 ('Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”), gentleness is the ability to respond to the needs of others with compassion and kindness.
The major political powers in those times — the Romans and Greeks — saw humility as a human weakness. Christianity, on the other hand, defined it as a strength. Looking at the context of this epistle, practicing humility and gentleness maintains unity within the church, as believers learn to relate with each other in ways that encourage mutual understanding and peace.
Patience is defined as “the bearing of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaint, loss of temper, irritation, or the like.” In Galatians 5:22, patience is listed as a fruit of the Spirit, necessary for maintaining an agreeable attitude with others. The ancient Greek word for patience, μακροθυμία (makrothymia), means a long-suffering attitude necessary when dealing with the imperfect nature of others. Paul wanted the Ephesians to realize that patience was another virtue vital to the church, as it would enable believers to work through their differences and arguments in a Christ-like manner.
At the end of the verse, Paul asks the members of the church of Ephesus to bear “with one another in love.” The Greek word used here for love is ἀγάπη (agapē), the selfless, unconditional love that Christ has for His church. Love is what binds together Christian relationships. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 describes love as:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
This isn’t a love based on feelings, but a thought-out choice to seek the best for other people. For the early church, this type of love was contrary to the prevailing culture, transcending barriers of social status, ethnicity, and wealth or poverty — creating a community that was united in Christ. When a modern-day church reaches out in mission to those who are poor, suffering, or persecuted, it demonstrates Christ’s love in a tangible way.
Heaven On Wheels Daily Prayer:
Today’s prayer comes from Knowing Jesus:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the wealth of spiritual blessings that You have lavished on me, by grace through faith. Lord, I desire to live godly in Christ Jesus and to walk in humble dependence and humility of heart before you, all the days of my life. Help me to put off the old-self and to live as You desire, to Your praise and glory. In Jesus' name I pray, AMEN