Called to Love

 I’m here again with my little ring of index cards filled with my favorite verses. The deck is worn out and marked up from lots of use, but there is plenty of space for future additions. I thought I would share one of these verses with you today!

Ephesians 4:2
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient,
​bearing with one another in love.

Naomi White

​Many verses talk about love, why we must love others, and how to love others. But this verse drives me to a change in attitude and behavior more than most. I’ve heard 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 “Love is patient, love is kind…” many times growing up. I hate to say it, but it often goes in one ear and out the other without fully sinking in. But Ephesians 4:2 always makes me, Naomi, feel personally convicted and encouraged.

Here is a fun tidbit about me. I have big, fast, intense emotions. I cry easily, I laugh easily, and I get angry easily. I get mad when I’m hungry, tired, in a hurry, and when there is any unfairness.
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My dad used to ask me if I liked being angry. I denied it, but I think you can guess the truth! Anger makes me feel powerful. It makes me feel righteous. But I’ve learned it’s not very helpful in my relationships. I may be eager to run into battle, but sometimes I forget who my enemies and allies are.

This verse always makes me stop and change my attitude. It challenges me to make four changes to my approach.

1. “Be completely humble…”
I must be humble. When I read this, I usually feel convicted that my righteous anger is actually self-righteous. I need to let go of my desire to be the one in the right. I don’t think it’s a mistake that this instruction is first!

2. “...and gentle;”
I must be gentle. I wish I could solve all the obstacles in my relationships by dueling the other person, but alas, that has yet to be the solution! Instead, I am called to soften my heart and be gentle with others.

3. “Be patient...”
I must be patient. I hate letting things sit. I want to rush in and hash things out. To fight a problem NOW and get my desired outcome TODAY! But my timeline usually doesn’t line up with anyone else’s. Instead, I need to be patient and trust that change will come when it comes.

4. “bearing with one another in love.”
I must bear with one another. Sometimes people are just difficult, and sometimes they’re just plain frustrating. This section always reminds me to just have a little bit of grace. Lord knows I have been on the receiving end of an ocean of grace!

After reading this verse, I am usually able to take a deep breath and relax my shoulders. I can let the little things go and face the big things as a teammate instead of an opponent. I can treat others how I want to be treated. Gently, with kindness and grace.

Have a Wonderful Week,
Naomi :-)