Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Ephesians 4:2 NIV
Bearing With One Another in Love
When Toronto playwright Nick Green’s new musical was cancelled due to the pandemic, he realized he needed a way to stay creative, share his work, and celebrate the work of other artists whose shows had been disrupted by COVID-19. So, he launched the Social Distancing Festival to make connections with artists all over the world. The point was to allow musicians to support each other and share the hopes and fears of artists living through that time.
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Those with whom we are closest are usually the only ones who know us well. If you want to know how you come across to others, ask your kids. They will tell you, honestly. Or ask your spouse – they are usually the most honest with you. Those closest to us know how we truly are and have to bear with us in our most challenging moments. The apostle Paul uses this idea in making a point for all believers when he says this in Ephesians 4:2: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” It takes great humility and gentleness to bear with others we love who are sometimes difficult. The body of Christ is a family – we are brothers and sisters in Jesus, part of the family of God. We are going to spend eternity with each other, and so God is preparing us here by calling us to be humble and gentle, and to bear with one another. Too often this doesn’t happen in the local church. Let’s set an example to the world in getting along in the family of God.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley