Daily Scripture Threshing for Thursday, March 13, 2025
Today's Text: Ephesians 4:25-32
Key Verse: Ephesians 4:32 (ESV): "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
The Ephesian church was a thriving community of believers in the city of Ephesus, a major commercial center in ancient Asia Minor. The church was founded by the Apostle Paul during his third missionary journey (Acts 18:19-20, 19:1-41), and he spent several years ministering to them. However, by the time Paul wrote his epistle to the Ephesians, the church was facing challenges, including false teachings, spiritual complacency, and disunity. Paul's admonition to them to "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you," was a timely reminder to the Ephesian believers to prioritize love, compassion, and forgiveness in their relationships with one another, and to reflect the character of Christ in their daily lives.
The apistle encourages them to live a life worthy of their calling. Paul reminds us that kindness is a fundamental aspect of our Christian walk, and that it is essential to treat others with compassion, empathy, and forgiveness. The importance of being kind to others can never be overemphasized. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His character and nature, which is rooted in love, kindness, and compassion (Galatians 5:22-23). When we show kindness to others, we demonstrate the love of Christ and bring glory to God.
While reflecting on the value of kindness, Mother Teresa said that "a single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees." To her, kindness has the power to transform lives and create a ripple effect of love and compassion. If you ever felt like your kindness wouldn't make a difference or that it would go unnoticed, remember that God sees everything you do, and He values your kindness. In the midst of a world that often prioritizes self-interest and individualism, let us be agents of kindness, compassion, and love.
Action Steps: Ask God to fill you with His kindness and compassion, that you may reflect His character to others. Look for opportunities to show kindness to those around you, whether it's a smile, a listening ear, or a helping hand. Practice forgiveness and tenderheartedness towards others, just as God in Christ has forgiven you. Surround yourself with people who inspire and encourage you to live a life of kindness and compassion.
Quote for the Day: "More of us Christians must learn that kindness is like a language which any deaf can hear and any blind can see." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)
Let Us Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, I come before You today, asking for Your kindness and compassion to fill my heart. Help me to reflect Your character to others, that they may see Your love and glory through me. Give me opportunities to show kindness to those around me, and fill me with tenderheartedness and forgiveness towards others — in Jesus's most glorious name. Amen.
____________________
Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading on today's meditation, read: Proverbs 19:17; Matthew 25:31-46; and 1 Corinthians 13:1-3.
With all my love and prayers,
Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.
Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)
Send | Share | Subscribe | Support
Comentários