Dealing Like Jesus // Ephesians 4:31-32

We have taken some time the last couple days looking at interpersonal relationships. I want to reflect briefly upon Ephesians 4:31-32 today as we continue in this theme. The instructions found in today’s passage reinforce what our words can do within the connectedness we enjoy with others. The Apostle Paul’s teaching emphasizes that our bad behavior drives a wedge that can only be rectified with kindness, gentleness, and forgiveness. The crux of this is found in the reality that those are the ways God deals with us thanks to Jesus. God’s power manifests itself in restraint and mercy because of forgiveness. How does that describe the way you relate to others in the midst of conflict? Are you more prone to get angry, use speech that stings, try to harm a reputation, and other things that seek to hurt rather than heal? If so, then take a step back, get a deep breath, and look for the tender side of things so you can forgive as you have been forgiven. Let Jesus be your model and method for dealing with difficult people.