Ephesians 4:2
[2] with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, (ESV)
As Paul continues to define how we are to walk out our calling in the Lord, he now gives us the character of our walk. He gives us four words to ponder. Today we are going to look at the first two:
1. Humility
2. Gentleness
3. Patience
4. Bearing with one another in Love
Humility and Gentleness are combined here. These are not qualities that we see very often. They certainly are not qualities that are inherent in humanity. At the time that Paul wrote these words the Roman society viewed this character of humility and gentleness as flawed humanity. To be humble and gentle was viewed as weakness. If we are not careful we can fall into the same mindset. We can be afraid that if we are gentle and humble we will be perceived as being weak. Shouldn’t we rather be concerned that we are perceived as being Christ-like?
Matthew 11:29
[29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Jesus was anything but weak. But, he demonstrated that his character was gentle and mild. Philippians 2 instructs us to have this same mind that was in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:2-8
[2] complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. [3] Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. [4] Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. [5] Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, [6] who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, [7] but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. [8] And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Humility and gentleness are not weakness. They can be defined as controlled strength. Jesus laid aside his right to power and authority, and instead humbly served. That’s how we are to be.
Do you need to work on your humility and gentleness? I know that I do! Find encouragement in Jesus. Ask him to help you to be like him.
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