Thought for the Week 2021 – Lent 2

Ephesians 4: 25 – 5: 2

²⁵ Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbour, for we are all members of one body. ²⁶ ‘In your anger do not sin’: do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷ and do not give the devil a foothold. ²⁸ Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

²⁹ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. ³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³² Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

5 ¹ Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children ² and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

 

Lent 2 – Forgiveness and Community

How can people live together and work together, without ending up screaming and running out the door, or worse? Some people (including Christian groups) have tried communal living – and if you are serious about trying that, then a passage such as this one at the end of Ephesians 4 is vital for survival!

But even those of us who have not chosen to live together in a close-knit community still need this kind of teaching if we are to truly live as Christians, and love one another with the love of Christ. The church is the Body of Christ, and for it to work we need to seek to be Christ-like, and this passage gives some guidance. I noted last week that Lent is the time leading up to Easter when we look ahead to the crucifixion and resurrection, and examine ourselves in the light of the life, death and resurrection of our Saviour. And what does this passage say to us?

1. No lying to one another. Always be truthful in everything you say. Not even little lies, or exaggeration or a bit of whitewashing! Why? Because we are all members of one body! The body cannot function if there is untruth and people cannot believe what other people are saying. This is true in families, in the community and especially true in church.
2. Don’t go to bed angry. Notice that the instruction is not ‘Do not get angry’. In fact it is clear that Paul expects and understands that sometimes people will get angry. But the important thing is that our anger does not lead us to sin. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said that anger in the heart can lead to the same judgement as murder. And if you go to bed still angry with a brother or sister, you are giving the devil a foothold in your life. You are opening yourself up to temptation to sin.
3. No stealing. How can a community survive if people steal? Instead, do something useful with you hands – work to earn a living and then share with those who are in need.
4. No ‘unwholesome talk’. Equally, no posting unwholesome messages on social media. What we say (and write) should build people up, not knock them down. Our words should be a benefit to other people.
5. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit. How do we do that? Well, the four things already mentioned would grieve him. Equally, the things that follow, in verse 31: ‘bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander’ would all grieve the Holy Spirit. Be very aware that the Holy Spirit is always with you, always listening to your words and looking at your actions. He is grieved when our actions dishonour him.

 

Verse 32 tells us what we should do instead: ‘Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.’ Forgiveness between people is vital in church life. Grudges have no place in the Body of Christ. We can’t hang on to things that somebody once said that upset or offended us. Those grudges must be thrown out! Instead let’s fill our lives with kindness and compassion – which takes a conscious effort. Let’s be forgiving – why? Because in Christ God forgave you.

And finally, at the beginning of chapter 5 Paul says, ‘Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.’ This is the heart of the matter. It is all about love. We are loved, so we should live a life of love – and in doing so we are being like Jesus himself, who loved us, and gave himself up for us by dying on the cross.

 

Prayer

Dear Lord Jesus, I thank you that you set an example for us in loving other people, showing kindness and compassion, and in right living. Please help me to become more like you day by day in my thoughts, words, actions and attitudes. During this Lent season I want to give up all the wrong behaviour that grieves the Holy Spirit. Please be with me every day as my guide and teacher in all things. Amen.