Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you."
Text: Ephesians 4:32
MORE THAN JUST A CLEAN HEART IS NEEDED
The apostle Paul did the right thing to address the sin-problems that could wreak havoc in the Church. However, ridding oneself of sin is not enough. Let us recall a parable that Jesus once told.
When an unclean spirit goes out of a man,
he goes through dry places, seeking rest;
finding none, he says,
‘I will return to my house from which I came.’
And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order.
Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits
more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there;
and the last state of that man is worse than the first.
LUKE 11:24-26
If the heart is merely cleaned up, but it is not filled, it is inviting trouble.
A GREATER ALTERNATIVE
Paul, using the same imperatival mode, gave clear indications as to how the heart may be filled. Let us ponder what he wrote.
BE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER
The word “kind” translate the Greek “chrestos”. This word has the following features:-
1. Benevolence
2. Goodness
3. A soft and gentle disposition
Instead of sinning against each other because of deeply-nursed anger or wrath, the heart should be filled with “kindness” or “benevolence”.
THE PRACTICE OF KINDNESS
Kindness also has two dimensions. It begins with a benevolent heart towards others. It is the antidote to wrath. The Book of Proverbs offers this insight.
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh
word stirs up anger.
PROVERBS 15:1
The “soft answer” is well contrasted with the “harsh word (that) stirs up anger”.