“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2)

I look at this verse and realize how difficult it is to live this way. C. S. Lewis called pride the sin that is the root of so many other failings. Most of us know how easy it is to be harsh with others rather than gentle. I can become impatient easily and that leads to worry, doubt and fear. If only everyone could learn to bear with one another in love our world would be different and far safer.

Yet, that is what God asks of us. It is one more reminder that we best live out our Christian lives when we maintain healthy, loving relationships with each other. These qualities don’t come from our old nature—but they do accompany the new nature we receive when we believe in Jesus.

Paul wasn’t describing our world. It far too often doesn’t look like this at all. He was describing Christian living at its best. While we may not change everyone else we can allow Jesus to change us. When we are changed and exhibit these loving qualities we are testifying to our whole world the health that Jesus can bring in our lives. My challenge is to let Him produce these virtues in me.