Made New: An Ephesians Book Studyنموونە

What do bad drivers, people talking loudly on their phones, and being put on hold all have in common? Each is likely to make you angry.

People can be challenging.

The end of Ephesians 4 discusses how we should interact with others. It says, “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry…” and “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs…” (v. 29). Easier said than done, right?

I often say things I regret or allow anger to hold on to my heart in ways that are not helpful to myself or others.

Rather than trying to do each of these things perfectly, Paul invites us to see a different way of living. What if anger didn’t rule the day, gossip wasn’t how you communicated, and you encouraged others? This is what Jesus’s way compels us to do.

The world can be frustrating, and people can be challenging. You cannot control others; you can only control yourself, and that’s hard enough! Paul says in verse 31 to get rid of all the things that cause your relationships to suffer. He urges us to “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (v. 32).

When we lean into how God’s word says we should treat others, we experience more peace, hope, contentment, and joy in our relationships. We become a light to a hurting, angry, and upset world. Following Jesus calls us to check our actions with others and be a hope to the world.

Response
1. Reread Ephesians 4:25-32. What does Paul ask that we stop doing? Which ones stand out most to you?

2. Who is someone in your life that is difficult for you? What action can you take this week to treat them more like Jesus?

3. Have an honest conversation with God. What do you wrestle with - gossip, anger, aruging, bitterness? Ask God to begin to change your heart.

Weekly Memory Verse
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
Ephesians 4:2-3

Written by Derek Beauchamp