Fruits of the Spirit | Patience at the Feet of Jesus

Mike Wilday January 27, 2023

There are two primary words for patience in the Bible, which are frequently used together: Makrothume and Hupomone. Makro means long, and Thume means temper and is frequently defined as long-suffering. It is the ability to endure and sustain a lengthened period of difficulty or challenges. Biblical realization of this word includes suffering at the hands of others and suffering under the weight of circumstances. The second word for patience, Hupomone, also comes from two words. Hupo means under, and Mone means to abide. It bears the idea of abiding under challenges.

When I consider my life, there are many areas where I need patience, but the area I believe I need the most patient endurance is during seasons of waiting on and trusting in Jesus. I find it extremely difficult to endure waiting on the Lord to move, fulfill his promises, or to act in accordance with the leadership I felt he had given me as I had sought him for guidance.

The story of Anna, the prophetess in Luke 2:36-38, always astounds me. Luke writes that Anna’s husband died after seven years of marriage. Hebrew girls would often marry at about 12 to 13 years of age. She devoted herself to fasting and prayer in the temple from that time forth. At the time of Jesus's birth, Anna was about eighty-four. That means she spent about 64 years in prayer, fasting, and unwavering dedication to the Lord. Luke writes that when she heard about Jesus, she talked about Jesus to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem. Anna waited faithfully for over 60 years for God to fulfill his word to send the Messiah, and suddenly, after waiting on the Lord for so long, he fulfilled his word. I want that kind of patient endurance.

As an extrovert, I tend to like to be busy. I tend to plan out too much and then fail to get it all done. Tasks tend to rule my heart each day. More often than not. I tend to join the spirit of Martha as she hurried around her home, preparing a meal for Jesus in Luke 10:38-42. I don't see anything inherently wrong with being task-oriented, but more than getting my list done, I want to be a person like Mary, who knows how to sit and listen at the feet of Jesus. I want to fulfill the first commandment: "love the Lord, my God, with all my heart, mind, and soul" (Matthew 22:37, NLT). And allow the second commandment: "love my neighbor as myself," (Matthew 22:39, NLT), to flow out of my encounter with Jesus in the first command. I think that Mary of Bethany, Martha's sister, patiently endured all that needed to be accomplished by slowing down and making space to listen to all that Jesus had to say. The pressures and platitudes of the day were not Mary's concern. She found solace patiently waiting at Jesus' feet.

I desire to have the patient persistence of Anna the prophetess and Mary of Bethany. I want to make the concerns of Jesus my own. I want to wait patiently for his thoughts, heart, and purpose to be expressed to my heart so that I can purposefully express it in my home, neighborhood, and county. Sitting and waiting can be an act of long-suffering, but the Word promises that he will faithfully lead us by his Spirit. It promises that the secrets of his heart have been and will be revealed to us by his Spirit. The fruit of patience, of long-suffering, at Jesus' feet is answered prayer, peace of mind, and life everlasting.

"Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary" (Isaiah 40:31, NASB). "I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry" (Psalm 40:1, NLT). "I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope" (Psalm 130:5, NIV).

About the Author

Mike enjoys spending time with his wife and four kids. He loves Jesus, art, music, and poetry. He currently works as the Manager of Learning Technology Solutions for Los Angeles Pacific University and is passionate about adventuring outdoors.

Fruits of the Spirit | Kindness

Jessie Carter January 20, 2023

Kindness has become a trendy buzzword lately. Kids see it in school rules: “Be kind, Be safe, Be responsible…” We see it on signs in people’s lawns. I recently discovered that there are even “kindness” clubs and committees in our communities, when a kindness club marched by in the Springfield Christmas parade. I think most people would agree that “kindness” is something to aspire to, something that helps our world in general, from the local to global levels.

So why is it so hard to do? Why does our world still not get along? Why are there so many teen suicides because of bullying and other unkind acts?

The answer is complex. Obviously, acts of aggression are a different ballgame than unkind words due to immature communication. But watching my new children interact, I think one likely cause is not knowing how to deal with anger. We get a hint of how anger and kindness are connected in the book of Ephesians:

Ephesians 4:25-27, 29 - 5:2 (NIV)
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin” [quoting Psalm 4:4]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

To me, this passage speaks of a combination of healthy boundaries and love. Because God loves us and creates in us love for others, we are motivated to be kind. But we also need to have boundaries. Boundaries to protect us so we can speak truthfully to others about what we need and let them know when they’ve hurt us. We can use this skill when we’re angry and hurt to make the situation better instead of lashing out to cause more hurt.

We can see this easily in children because they’re less subtle about it. They get hurt by their sibling/peer/etc. and retaliate instantly, causing escalation. Or if they don’t, they hold onto the anger, which gives “the devil a foothold” by allowing the anger to become bitterness and resentment or even eventually malice. We all do this sometimes but may not even realize it.

But God provides a different way. He doesn’t say “Don’t be angry.” Instead He says “In your anger do not sin.” We can be honest with each other about our boundaries or what they’ve done to hurt us, but we can do so respectfully and kindly, out of love and compassion for that person. Not only with the intent to not hurt them, and not only to help them learn and grow, but also to maintain the relationship between us. We can help the other person see that we’re communicating our needs/hurts because we value their relationship. We can walk in the way of love, as Christ does for us.

Today, after writing this post, one of our kids did a great job of demonstrating this principle. She’d misheard something I’d said and her feelings were understandably hurt. It took her a few minutes to tell her dad and I why she was upset, but she articulated it well. I was able to assure her of what I’d really meant, and she forgave me. Later I affirmed her great job of communicating. I’m so grateful that she didn’t lash out or hold on to the hurt, because I love her.

Kindness. It’s not just a buzzword, but a way to heal our relationships and our world.

About the Author

Jessie is a novice writer, with several books in various stages and a blog about travel and the journeys of women. She is very excited to be a part of the CitySalt blog team. She has been blessed by a few communities of Christian writers that have encouraged her dream. She lives with her sweet husband, Chris, their 5 funny kids, and 1 fluffy cat in Springfield. She loves hiking and other outdoor and indoor adventures with her family.

Fruits of the Spirit | Joy

John Rice January 13, 2023

One of the most wonderfully surprising scriptures I’ve come across is this one in the book of Nehemiah:

Nehemiah 8:9-12
Nehemiah, the governor, and Ezra, the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is sacred to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.

Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

The Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, for this is a sacred day. Do not grieve.”

Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because now they understood the words that had been made known to them.

Were you a little surprised by something too? For a little context, many of the Israelites, especially the wealthy, the educated and those skilled in the trades, were taken as slaves to Babylon in 586 BCE. The “less useful” people were left in Judea where Jerusalem lay. Life was extremely harsh for the Judeans under the Babylonians (You might remember the story of Daniel and the lion’s den and fiery furnace).

Over time, Babylonia was conquered by the Persians, who treated the Israelite captives much better than the Babylonians had. The king of the Persians, Artaxerxes, even allowed the Jews who wanted to return to the the land of their ancestors, to do so. The governor of the region of Judea was Nehemiah. The priest during this time was Ezra. Nehemiah learns that the walls of Jerusalem were crumbling and, after much prayer, asked King Artaxerxes if he could go back and rebuild the walls. Amazingly, Artaxerxes agreed! The walls were rebuilt with a lot of resistance from the neighboring Samaritans who hated and feared the Jews. But the Jews succeeded and the city was safe to live in again, or at least safer. To celebrate this great moment, all the Jews gathered in one place and the priest Ezra read from the Bible in the presence of all the people. They began crying with tears of sorrow and shame, understanding that they had been taken away captive as a consequence of their ignoring and disobeying their God.

Wallowing in this sense of remorse and guilt, you might have expected the priest and the governor to have exacted some punishments or acts of contrition from the people: possibly fasting from food, wearing burlap and/or pouring ashes over their heads, as was the custom. But what did the leaders instruct the people to do? Go eat, go drink, be joyful…and be sure to share with those who don’t have anything! And to top it off, they taught the people that the joy of the Lord is their strength!

It seems to me we can learn so much about our God from this story. How often do we sink into guilt and shame because of our wrongdoing? We might even feel it is the right thing to do, if we are to be humble people. But the wisdom from this story reminds us that sinking into an introspective funk is not helpful to us or to those around us. Instead, this wisdom seems to say, “Yes, you’ve done wrong. Yes, you need to change your ways. But turn to the Lord who is ever-forgiving and ever-loving and demonstrate your love back to him by rejoicing in his goodness and looking how to serve other people who don’t have as much as you do.” Wow! How awesome that is, and “just like God” to focus on the good and to see how we might help others. God seems truly committed to getting us out of our heads and egos, and into the goodness of the universe around us.

Have you ever experienced that when you’re suffering from shame, you feel weakened? Conflicted? Self-conscious? Lacking in clarity and confidence? I sure have. So I’m thankful to be reminded that it’s the JOY of the Lord that gives us strength. I’m thankful for the advice to confess my sin honestly, but then to get up, stand up, celebrate God’s goodness and live life alongside other folks whom he loves so much. Not to mention…..eat some good food and drink some good drinks! Thank you, Lord!

About the Author

John lives in Pleasant Hill with his dog, Gunnar, and a multitude of guests who enjoy the peace and beauty of the Cascade foothills. With three children and three grandchildren all living in Oregon, he is continually blessed with their company and the good food that always accompanies their get-togethers!

Fruits of the Spirit | Self-Control, The Life-Long Pursuit

Sara Gore January 6, 2023

In my mid-twenties I was invited to co-teach a Sunday School lesson to primary school children, focused on the Fruits of the Spirit. The lead teacher was a close friend and informed me I was assigned to explain and demonstrate the importance of self-control.

I immediately replied to my friend that I was the last person to teach on this spiritual principle, since I was severely lacking in it! I reminded her how I struggled with arriving to events on time, and other important aspects of this virtue.

My friend smiled and calmly replied “maybe that makes you the right person to teach this character strength, while highlighting what can happen without it. It’s a great opportunity for you to ask the Lord to teach you to better manage this fruit of the spirit.” I reluctantly agreed.

On presentation day, I made myself an obvious visual example of a lack of self-control. My long hair was neatly clipped back on one side of my head only, with hair on the other side hanging over my eye and chin. My cardigan was buttoned askew, and my tennis shoes were untied.

As part of my exaggerated character, I walked in front of the class, describing how I had been in a hurry when getting dressed for church, and wanted to do things my way. I then proceeded to trip on my shoe laces and fall down in front of them, in a dramatic but uninjured way.

I concluded the lesson, by clipping back my remaining loose hair, adjusting my sweater, and tying my shoes. I then described how life was more enjoyable and safer when taking better care of myself. Modifying my own undesirable behavior was my only understanding of self-control at that time in my life.

Since then, I’ve discovered another important aspect of self-control. Fast forward thirty years. After my mother’s death, I became the power of attorney for my surviving father who suffered from dementia. Disagreements with other family members involved accusations, then lawyers. I felt overwhelmed and experienced frequent bouts of anxiety. The continual questioning of my decisions and criticism of my actions left me with debilitating self-doubt.

I found myself struggling to do the simple tasks at work and home which involved focusing my thoughts, and quickly recalling details. I thought a lot about future commitments and deadlines, but accomplished very little. I experienced a type of paralysis of mind from overthinking. I was stuck. I ached to be free to take the actions I urgently needed to complete, in the course of my everyday responsibilities and obligations.

In retrospect, my mistake was to think I faced this crisis by myself. I remained stuck for long periods of time because I repeatedly forgot Christ was waiting to help me. On a deeper level, I feared my problems were too ugly and smelly for God. Finally, I cried out to the Lord asking him to deliver me from what felt like a prison of thought and anxiety.

I then waited on the Lord, standing firm in my faith that Christ would deliver me according to His schedule. I remembered so many life experiences throughout my past which clearly demonstrated how Christ had always guided, protected, and loved me.

He answered my cry, which first led me to scripture:

Psalms 23:1-3 TPT (The Passion Translation)
“Yahweh is my best friend and my shepherd.
I always have more than enough.”

“He offers a resting place for me in his luxurious love.
His tracks take me to an oasis of peace near the quiet brook of bliss.”

“That’s where he restores and revives my life.
He opens before me the right path
and leads me along in His footsteps of righteousness,
so that I can bring honor to His name.”

I felt the Lord tell me, the most painful and broken aspects of my daily life are an indispensable part of my spiritual training! And that I can’t run away from the pain or deny its existence. This thought felt to me like the prospect of running through fire. Staring at the figurative flames in front of me, I desperately hoped to make it through to the other side.

During this season of what I experienced as sorrow and suffering, I internally heard the Lord ask me: “Are you going to embrace or discard your training?” My gut tightened, but I said “Yes Lord, I embrace this training you’ve personally prepared for me!” I also internally heard Him say “Do not despise the uncomfortable and painful parts of your training.” These words encouraged me to resolutely trust Christ, and to continue to move forward by living my daily life.

Christ revealed that my pursuit of self-control is a journey, and it’s a harvest of His truths. As I follow Him by studying scripture, He continues to lead me to life-saving verses that help me drop heavy lies along the way. My spirit is lighter and my steps toward Christ quicken. I can experience the gift of His Holy Spirit momentum. My human frame is not capable of continuing this pace for long, but I’ve had a taste of what living in God’s love feels like. And I’m no longer willing to settle for less.

Psalms 23: 4-5 TPT
“Even when your path takes me through the valley of deepest darkness,
fear will never conquer me, for you already have!
Your authority is my strength and my peace.
The comfort of your love takes away my fear.
I’ll never be lonely, for you are near.”

‘You become my delicious feast even when my enemies dare to fight.
You anoint me with the fragrance of your Holy Spirit;
You give me all I can drink of you until my cup overflows.”

“So why would I fear the future?
Only goodness and tender love pursue me all the days of my life.
Then afterward, when my life is through, I’ll return to your glorious presence
to be forever with you!”

I took a class at my church on the Enneagram and learned about my specific temperament. The principles of the Enneagram taught me which situations stress and immobilize me. It also taught me which new attitudes and behaviors can help channel my anxiety into more productive patterns of thought and action.

I watched You Tube videos, listened to podcasts, and did a lot of reading on a variety of topics. This included scripture and published writings that described the components of vibrant and joyful mental health. And Christ led me to a series of qualified people to listen as I talked things out. This started as prayer with my pastors and friends, then later transitioned to a season with a trained counselor. I don’t have many answers, but these are the things that worked for me.

You might feel this message does not apply to you, but may I suggest you could soon hear someone expressing some of these struggles. Would you please seize the opportunity to remind them that long ago, Christ died to set the captives free, eternally! They are not alone. Christ is with them and is waiting to show them a way out of their “stuck feeling”. Christ will then faithfully lead them into the freedom of a fresh start and a more joyful way to live!

Please encourage them to take up their spiritual sword, God’s word, and fight against the lies that would seek to imprison their mind. Tell them they are not being selfish in making choices that feel right to them, based upon what God is guiding them to do. They are freed by Christ’s death and resurrection to live in a loving partnership with Christ here on Earth and in His forever home.

I close with verses 2 and 3 from the classic Christian hymn: “The Solid Rock”.

“When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil.”

“On Christ the Solid Rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.”

“His oath, His Covenant, His blood support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay.”

“On Christ the Solid Rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.”

About the Author

Sara has attended CitySalt Church since 2004, the year it was founded. She studied Journalism, wrote for her college newspaper, and is a member of Oregon Christian Writers. Sara also enjoys singing hymns with friends: “there is a sermon in every hymn waiting to be discovered and enjoyed.”

Fruits of the Spirit | Gentleness

Kayla Erickson December 30, 2022

Gentle. Humble. What comes to mind when you think of these words? If you wish, take a quiet moment and just rest with those words. See what memories or pictures come to you.

This quality, “prautes” (prah-oo'-tace) in the Greek, is one of the fruits of a Spirit-filled life that Paul lists in Galatians 5. This life and these fruits are contrasted with a life driven by the appetites and temptations of the flesh. The word is translated “gentleness” or “humility” at various points in the New Testament.

Gentle* (adjective):

Considerate or kindly in disposition; amiable and tender.
Not harsh or severe; mild and soft.
Easily managed or handled; docile.

Humble* (adjective):

Marked by meekness or modesty in behavior, attitude or spirit; not arrogant or prideful.
Showing deferential or submissive respect.
Low in rank, quality, or station; unpretentious or lowly.

I wanted to include both words, because I think together they give a richer understanding of both the action and the motive, the visible fruit and the belief behind it. I think that when I am gentle, it’s based on seeing God, myself and others clearly. I am submitting my understanding of reality to God’s truth (acknowledging that what God says about me and others is the most important thing), which empowers me to act in a tender or mild way. James alludes to this when he says “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” (James 3:13, NIV) According to this, the wisdom that comes from growing in understanding of God’s truth and ways is the source of humility.

I’ll give an example from my own life. (I am sharing this story with permission from my child.) I host a homeschool hiking activity a couple of times per month, and at a recent meetup there were several moms running very late. They were so late, we decided we’d start without them and meet part way up the trail. Both of my boys love running free in nature, but one of them in particular really values communing with nature on his own terms. That day, he wanted to run up the giant hill and go all the way to the top. We discussed ahead of time that we would need to balance the needs of everyone in the group that day. However, he was soon far ahead of the adults, and I had to run to catch up. I have to admit, as the group host, it was a bit embarrassing to have to run up the giant hill, chasing after my children, trying to get them to listen to the plan. But I know my kids. It can take some time for them to change the picture in their minds about what is going to happen, and there’s no rushing it. When I caught up and explained that he’d gone too far, he stopped and said he would wait there until the rest of the group caught up. I explained that we wouldn’t be coming back that way again, but he wanted to wait there. I thankfully had a little more time to spare as we were still waiting on the final mom to meet us at the crossroads, but eventually they all arrived, and I had to urge them to go on ahead while I went back yet again to try to convince my child to come along with the group. I needed to lean into the Spirit for gentleness that day. I had to remember what I knew about my son, how he has his own pace when it comes to change.

Even then, I could feel the pull of my flesh-the embarrassment of being seen as a parent who can’t “make their child behave,” especially as the leader of the group. The strain of matching wills over and over with a persistent child…

I had to push back hard as shame and fear tried to creep into my thoughts.

“What do I know here?” I asked myself. I am human, my child is human, and we are both limited and imperfect beings, yet created good in God’s image. I know that my child struggles with transitions and changed plans. That’s OK. That’s part of how God made him, and he is in the process of growing into maturity in this area. I know that I cannot control my child, I can only control myself. And it is not a righteous desire to look more put-together than I am in front of these other moms, even if I am the ‘leader.’ God asks me to be a loving guide and protector to my child, discipling him in God’s ways. He doesn’t ask me to make my child do the “right thing” at every moment. (This is all the humility part- acknowledging the truths that God has already taught me, and letting this shape my perspective on the situation.)

This perspective then allows me to make gentle choices in the reality I face:

I can facilitate this group of moms, while also making space to come alongside my child and walk through this transition with him. (This is the working out of the humble perspective as gentleness.) Even though it is tiring to walk back and forth, and keep talking this out with my kiddo, I am parenting for the long-term. I want him to know that I value him enough to slow down and help when he needs it. I want him to know that we are in this together, and that he is capable of changing his mind. Even though I feel shame trying to creep in, if I know I’m making the right choice, I can despise this shame. Who knows? It might even be helpful for another parent to see this work in progress.

Anchoring my perspective in the truth of God helps me make gentle choices. It helps prevent me from straying into fear and shame-based reactions that can often be harsh and unloving. In the story I shared with you, the Spirit empowered me to act gently. But of course, I’m not perfect, and some days I find myself flailing about in situations beyond my current wisdom. I’m so thankful God is gentle with me too. God draws us nearer, forgiving our sins and failures, healing our wounds, binding up our broken hearts, teaching us new ways according to where we are. God promises to give wisdom (remember, the source of humility) to all who ask. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5, NIV)

Let me send you off on a sweet parting note- here are Jesus’ own tender words to us regarding His gentleness:

Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

*American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th ed.

About the Author

Kayla is is 37. She has been married to her husband, Joel, for 17 years and she homeschools their two energetic boys. She loves stories, being out in nature, meeting interesting people, and seeing others grow in their freedom in Christ.

Fruits of the Spirit | Peace that Disrupts

Aaron Friesen December 16, 2022

Most, if not all, humans want peace. But there are different ways we imagine peace in our lives, and some of the ways that we imagine it are not necessarily aligned with the kind of peace that the Spirit wants to create. What is the nature of the peace that the Spirit generates and desires to work out in our lives and in the world?

1. It is Disruptive

We often think of disruptions in our lives as those things that take away or invade our peace. We especially feel this way when life is going well for us, and things seem to be functioning as we have planned. I’m quite happy sitting by a pool and reading a book. Please don’t interrupt my peace and quiet!

But, when I read the Bible, I notice a pattern that the peacemaking work of the Spirit in the world is often initially experienced by those involved as a disruption. It is usually more chaotic or uncomfortable than it is calm or easy.

Advent season is an especially good time for us to reflect on the fact that the various stories leading up to the birth of Jesus include promises of peace in the midst of significant disruptions.

With the birth of Jesus come announcements of peace:

Zachariah, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesies that his son will prepare the way for the Messiah and in doing so will “guide our feet into the path of peace (Luke 1:79).”
The angels declare to the shepherds that this child will bring “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace (Luke 2:14).”
Matthew notes that Jesus’s birth fulfills the Messianic prophecies of Isaiah 9 where among the titles given to this child is “prince of peace (Matthew 4:14-16; Isaiah 9:6).”

But these announcements of peace do not immediately result in tranquil or calm or easy situations for those involved. They are quite disruptive and inconvenient:

Zachariah’s prophecy came as a result of his wife’s unexpected pregnancy that rattled him to the core (Luke 1:18-20).
The angelic birth announcement interrupted the work of rural shepherds and sent them traveling in search of this child (Luke 2:15-16).
Isaiah’s vision of the prince of peace is introduced with visions of a leader who breaks, shatters, and burns various tools of oppression (Isaiah 9:4-5).

And when this child of peace finally arrives, it is anything but easy or tranquil for his parents entrusted with his care. Bethlehem is so overcrowded that the only bed they can find for their newborn is a feeding trough. After his birth, they are forced to travel to Egypt to escape Herod’s murderous edict. The only story we have of Jesus as a young boy includes his parents frantically searching and afraid for him.

Perhaps all the uneasy disruptions that take place in the narratives of his birth and childhood foreshadow the kind of peace that Jesus brings to the world. It is a disruptive peace. Simeon, who longed for the “consolation/comfort of Israel” understood through the Spirit that Jesus was “destined to cause the rise and fall of many in Israel (Luke 2:25-35).” Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, described peace as that which comes to the Gentiles through Jesus “tearing down the dividing wall of hostility (Eph. 2:14).” And the greatest example of peace coming through uncomfortable disruption is Jesus’ own death on the cross (Col. 1:20).

These passages lead me to conclude that God’s peace breaking into my world will often feel anything but peaceful. I should not expect the peace that the Spirit generates in my life to correlate directly with calm, relaxing and/or tranquil circumstances. It does lead toward those things on a cosmic scale, but in its generative form, the peace that the Spirit brings is often initially disruptive, unsettling, and uneasy.

2. It is Collective

One reason the peace that the Spirit brings is a disruptive peace is because the peace that God wants is collective, not individual. God’s vision of peace on earth is ever widening. God is not interested in maintaining peace for the powerful at the expense of those who are weak and poor, but that is often the kind of peace that we are attracted to, move toward, and settle for without even thinking about it.

In order for a new kind of peace to be experienced, old arrangements that leave people out must be disrupted, and those disruptions are often uncomfortable. As the great Old Testament scholar Walter Brueggemann says,

“The prophetic vision of shalom stands against all private arrangements, all ‘private peaces,’ all ghettos that pretend the others are not there… Shalom is never the private property of the few.”(1)

3. It is Restorative

Another reason the peace that the Spirit works out in our lives is disruptive is because it is restorative in nature. It is not a peace that seeks to simply maintain relationships as they are. It is a peace that restores relationships (with God, others, self, and the creation) that have been damaged or lost. This restorative work is often initially uncomfortable. In order to fix something, you have to know what’s wrong. But sometimes we would prefer to live in a state of denial or distraction.

In his description of the biblical visions of peace as shalom in the Bible, indigenous theologian Randy Woodley says,

“Shalom always restores dignity to the most marginalized of society.”(2)

Even as a baby, Jesus was beginning to change things and upset norms by bringing dignity and honor to people (shepherds, Mary, David’s family) and places (Nazareth, Bethlehem, a manger/stable) that had been forgotten or left out. This ministry of restoring dignity continued throughout Jesus’ public ministry, and it continues now in our midst through the Spirit.

So, are disciples of Jesus doomed to a life of change, unsettledness, and discomfort? I think the answer to that question is yes. But that reality does not necessarily lead us to be people of anxiety, fear, and worry as the world wants us to think. In fact, with the help of the Spirit, it leads us in the opposite direction. True joy, true peace, true hope can only come as we participate in God’s cosmic project of reconciliation (Col. 1:15-20). This is what the Spirit bears witness to in our spirits even as God is disrupting things (2 Cor. 1) in our lives. This is “the peace of God that transcends all understanding (Phil. 4:7).”

This is an area where my view of God’s work in my life has radically changed over the years. For much of my life, I assumed that a good test of the Spirit’s work was how peaceful or calm or tranquil it made me feel. Because of that, I think there have been many times that I have ignored genuine stirrings of the Spirit just because they made me feel uncomfortable or uneasy. Rather than quickly running from things that make me uncomfortable, I now realize the importance of asking questions about those feelings: Why do I feel uncomfortable? Is it possible this discomfort is something God wants me to feel? Is there something that God is wanting to disrupt in me or around me in order to make room for a greater, broader, and more enduring peace to reign?

I think these are the kinds of questions that Mary was willing to ask herself when the angel visited her with the startling news that she would give birth to the Messiah. I think her willingness to answer these questions gave her the clarity in the face of such a great disruption to say, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled (Luke 1:38).”

Water Brueggemann, Peace (St. Louis: Chalice Press, 2001), 19-20.
Randy S. Woodley, Shalom and the Community of Creation: An Indigenous Vision (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2012), 25-26.

About the Author

Aaron is a passionate seeker of God and truth, and he enjoys encouraging others in their own pursuits of the same. He especially likes to think about how God is at work in the most ordinary and mundane aspects of our existence. He loves going on adventures to new places with his wife, Heather, and four kids and his perfect day would involve an excellent cup of coffee (or two!), a hike to somewhere beautiful and serene, and some good conversation over a pint at a warm pub. He currently serves as an adjunct instructor at Portland Seminary and co-leads the CitySalt Kids’ Ministry along with his wife, Heather.

Fruits of the Spirit | Love - The Best Fruit

Terry Sheldon December 9, 2022

I am fascinated by fruits.

But it wasn't always so. I have to admit I may have taken them for granted, because in this land of plenty, fruits are always close at hand. The party-bro to the more pedestrian vegetable, fruits are easy to like with their bright, appealing colors, inherent sweetness, and grab-and-go ease.

I also appreciate Apostle Paul's fruit of the spirit comparison, and the greatest of these - love. These character fruits are the highest bar of personal and spiritual wholeness - the gold standard of what we should partake in and become, as followers of Jesus. The comparison is rich with allure - life-giving nourishment, sweetness and goodness to share.

But then there's the science.

Our God is certainly an innovative creator, and to me seems a kind of restless genius - always tinkering. Over a millennia, as His plants evolved to fit expanding people groups, fruits played an essential role - in so many ways and in so many places. And inspired by our creative heritage, we all have influenced plant propagation as well.

With fruit, it's all about sugar and seeds. And birds.

Among all edible greenery, vegetables and fruits certainly contain essential nutrients. But a fruit’s specialty is sugar, attracting hungry attention. Their larger and more accessible seeds become reproductive tools, and animals and humans alike multiply and distribute the plants - by land and sea, and by air on the wings of birds.

Hang on, there is a point to this.

Galatians 5:22-23 now seems to me much richer and more dynamic, like an apple that becomes a vast orchard of spiritual possibilities. The fruits of the spirit are within everyone's reach, and are spread by believers who practice them, and by the subtle but efficient flight of the Holy Spirit.

The humble apple is our world's most common fruit, and perhaps not just a random choice for the symbol of mankind's fall from grace. In that light, Paul's fruit metaphor seems to be pure genius, from a literary standpoint and also a spiritual one. Just like Jesus' parables, God's most essential truths are always ripe with meaning and easy to grasp when served up with simple symbolism and story.

Which brings me back to love - the best commandment.

When I read Galatians 5:22-23 with its wonderful array of fruitful attributes, I can't help but notice that ALL of them point back to love. We can't be joyful without love. We can't enjoy true peace, and we can't have the patience to trust in God's heavenly outcomes without love - in Him, in ourselves and in those around us. To truly love and allow ourselves to be loved is the highest attainable personal and spiritual goal. It is the prize fruit on God's tree of life.

And it's best when shared.

Galatians 5:22-23 ASV
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control; against such there is no law."

Galatians 5:22-24a The Message
"But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard - things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way."

About the Author

Terry is a man in constant motion to explore new horizons. He has a thirst for new places and faces, and a deep love for the natural world - with a weakness for waterfalls and sunsets. All of this venturing out helps to both ground and inspire him, because it opens him up to people, with their vast, collective array of experiences, outlooks and responses.

He finds all of this fascinating and sees that it has encouraged the growth of something crucial in his Christian development: empathy and compassion toward his brothers and sisters on this planet.

Truth in Love | Maturity

Mike Wilday December 2, 2022

Children are very curious. Their minds, beautifully immature, are constantly crafting ways to get their way, to meld their existence with those of their family, and to fit the broad context of the world they are discovering into their little frame of understanding. This journey of understanding can sometimes lead to some very humorous and innocent conclusions. Art Linkletter even capitalized on this concept with his TV show Kids Say the Darndest Things in the late 90’s. Aside from our faith, God did not intend for humanity to remain childlike. His intention for us is growth.

Maturation is God’s design. Our brains are intricate creations that grow and develop well into our late 20’s. However, the maturing process is not a personal, isolated thing, it’s a product of integration and community. A person’s level of maturity is defined by others. In Ephesians 4:13-15 Paul echoes this idea and expresses an expectation for growth and maturation in the development of our faith. We are meant to mature and grow both individually and corporately.

Every competitive runner has a finish line etched in their mind. It’s the reason they tie up their laces and why they subject themselves to the grueling race before them. The author of Hebrews 12 uses this imagery as he calls believers to run the race God has called them to. The finish line of that race is obtained by fixing our minds on one thing; not the goal of winning, not a determination to defeat our fiercest competitor, but by fixing our eyes on Jesus.

Returning to Ephesians 4, Paul calls us to pursue maturity and sets Christ as our standard. Our goal for maturity, for completion, is Christ himself; to come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of him. Ephesians 4:15 reveals the outcome of this maturation process: a united body of believers who speak the truth in love and intricately work together to cause each other to grow and work as one, with Jesus leading the way.

Full maturity is obtained as we engage with each other, loving each other as Christ leads us. And while we engage each other, and encourage each other to fix our eyes on Jesus, He does His part. The author and perfecter of our faith is faithful to mature us more and more into the likeness of himself (Hebrews 12:2), mature and complete, lacking nothing (James 1:2-5).

About the Author

Truth in Love | Love Oneself

Mollie Havens November 25, 2022

I am my own worst critic. I have negative self-talk. It’s difficult to speak encouraging words towards myself. I think I am too fat, or too stupid, or I will always make mistakes. I am a perfectionist and will never accept anything less. An example of this was when I got in trouble at work for being too slow. I instantly jumped to the worst conclusions thinking I can’t do anything right and I was going to get suspended or fired. When I met with my manager I found I wasn’t in trouble, they just wanted to let me know ways to improve.

The voice of the one who loves me speaks words of affection towards me. Psalm 139:13-14 says that he created my innermost being, he knit me together in my mother’s womb and that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. He thinks I am beautiful. It may be difficult to speak truth in love into my own life. That is why I need to listen to the words of God and others in my life. When I get down on myself I just need to remember who I am in Christ. I am a loved daughter of the king and that I am forgiven and made new in him.

God wants me to have confidence in myself because of who he has made me to be. This is not pride or arrogance but a truthful representation of myself. God says in 2 Corinthians 12:9 that even in our weaknesses we are strong because that is when God’s power is made perfect and rests on us. It says in 2 Timothy 1:7 that “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self discipline.” Jeremiah says I am blessed when I trust in him and have confidence in him. I can have confidence in myself when I have confidence in him.

So I can start speaking truth in love towards myself. I can tell myself that I am capable and smart. I can do anything I put my mind to. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I need to extend God’s grace towards myself and accept his love towards me.

About the Author

Mollie is recently married to her wonderful husband Dustin. She is a Wound Care RN at McKenzie Willamette Hospital. She enjoys being creative, getting outdoors and spending time with friends and family.

Truth in Love | Charity

Jessie Carter November 18, 2022

The phrase “speak the truth in love” may come from Ephesians 4, but when I reflect on it, I think of a song based on 1 Corinthians chapter 13 instead. This song, Charity, has helped me keep my priorities straight as a teacher for 19 years. Now that I have a family of my own, it is even more necessary for me to remember. Consider these lyrics (and feel free to listen to the original song posted below):

CHARITY *
Although I speak with tongues of men and of angels
And though I prophesy and understand all
Although I have all faith so mountains may be removed
And though I feed the poor and give up my life

If I have not Charity
If Love does not flow from me
I am nothing
Jesus reduce me to Love

Love is patient and kind, love is not envious
Not proud, but gentle and meek, seeks not its own way
Love sings when Jesus prevails, believes and endures all things
Love hopes and bears every wrong
And Love never fails

One season I was a child, I spoke and I thought as a child
But when I turned into a man, such ways put aside
Though now we see through a glass, yet then we shall see face to face
Though now abide faith and hope
The greatest is Love

What do you think of when you hear the word “charity?” Do you think of someone giving money to the poor? That’s part of it, but not what the word originally meant. According to Wikipedia, it came into use in late Old English times as a word meaning “Christian love of one’s fellows” based on the Old French word charité. Going back even farther, it came from the Latin word caritas which was used to translate the Greek word agape (godly love).

This song (and the passage it’s based on) reminds me that regardless of what I do, if I’m not doing it from the motivation of love, it’s not helping. In fact, it can even harm people. When I correct or discipline someone but forget to consider their current emotional needs, it can cause them to feel devalued. I may think I’m helping them, but I’m really not, as teachers and parents have found out the hard way. The same goes for other things, like what we usually think of as charity. I may think I’m helping someone or making a difference in the world by donating money or time, but if it’s not something that will actually help them and done from a heart of love, it’s just self-seeking. A clanging gong to puff myself up or assuage guilt. Speaking (or giving) truth, but not love.

So how do I remember to speak (or give) truth in love? I’m not great at it. But I catch myself sometimes and actually think of the chorus to the song. “If I have not charity, if love does not flow through me, I am nothing; Jesus reduce me to love.” This song-prayer fills me with the agape love that I can’t possibly have on my own because it comes from God. Then I act/react to the person I’m talking to by speaking truth in love.

And truth spoken in love usually leads to better results, and more importantly, better relationships. Because love never fails.

*Kenneth Gulliksen
© 1971 CCCM Music (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.)
Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publishing (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.)

About the Author

Truth in Love | Responding in Truth and Love

John Rice November 4, 2022

Whoever said that being a Christian made life easier?! I’m not sure what “Christian life” they’re talking about, but it’s been my experience that walking with Jesus and seeking to follow His teachings has been anything but easy! It has certainly been better… just not easier. One example of this is trying to follow Paul’s exhortation to speak the truth in love. It seems so often that I can either speak the truth without the right spirit of love and respect for the other person, or I can act “lovingly” but hide the truth.

While I recognize these kinds of difficult commands can best be accomplished by the overflow of God’s love in us and through us, I have also found a few helpful tips along the way through the teachings of good counselors, who have learned to work with people to help resolve their relationship difficulties. I’d like to offer one of those tips here. It’s known as the “STOP Process” and was introduced to me by Carolyn Rexius, the founding director of CAFA (Christians As Family Advocates).

How the “STOP Process” might help us in speaking the truth in love is that it trains us to thoughtfully respond rather than hastily react to someone who rubs us the wrong way. Here’s how it works: when we experience the brunt of someone’s anger, criticism, or otherwise negative attitude, we learn to slow down and examine the situation before reacting with defensiveness or a counter-attack. When our emotions are triggered and we are tempted to react quickly, if we follow these few steps we may well be able to respond out of love and respect.

The “S” literally stands for “STOP”. Take some time before reacting or saying anything. Picture a STOP sign in your mind. Take 10 deep breaths and ask yourself a question or two. This brings the situation out of your fight or flight brain and into your thinking brain. The two don’t work well together!

The “T” stands for “Take Time to Identify Your Feelings.” Why is it that you’re reacting with such strong emotion to what was said or done? Be honest.

The “O” stands for “Opt to Give Yourself and the Other Person the Benefit of the Doubt.” What might the other person have been going through that has them stressed or angry before they even encountered you? What are you going through? Realize you also might be especially tired, hungry or stressed from other aspects of your life that make this current situation seem worse than it is.

The “P” stands for “Process the Event from a Place of Self-value, with Openness, Curiosity, Humility and Compassion.” After all this thinking brain work (which is also the part of the brain where our compassion and spirituality resides), we are much more likely to let go of our defensiveness and be able to respond to the other person from a place of reason and thoughtfulness, which has the effect of de-escalating the rough emotions all around.

As I’ve mentioned, this is not necessarily an easy process, but it does become easier and more automatic over time and with practice. The Lord always helps us when we attempt to follow his ways. There are numerous scriptures we can turn to as well:

Proverbs 4:23
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Proverbs 23:7
For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.

Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

About the Author

Truth in Love | Hearing the Truth in Love

Kayla Erickson October 28, 2022

I don’t know if anyone saw me (since y’all supposed to be praying, too), but I seriously ugly cried a few Sundays ago in church. I don’t know what we were supposed to be praying about (maybe reconciliation?), but as you know, God does what he will. As I closed my eyes and asked God what He would like me to pray, I began to think about my early days at South Hills Church, when Shannon spoke in tongues and even occasionally cursed. I was still young and figuring out who I was, but I was suddenly in a church of people who were really honest and really courageous about seeking the Lord. Memories washed over me of so many people who were a part of that time, and everything seemed bittersweet in my heart as I thought about all that had been familiar and would never be again.

Then I thought about the years when my babies were born. We had just returned from Tanzania, and my spirit was broken. I returned pregnant, depressed, and feeling as if God had failed me. I now recognize I likely experienced postpartum depression, which had only made things worse. But we came home to South Hills, and two wonderful spiritual mothers in the church heard me, treated me gently and tenderly, and helped me start to heal. One of those wonderful women is at home with Jesus now.

So here I am back home, at a place where some are known, and some are new. And I myself am new again. It’s a very strange thing.

But it’s also wonderful, because, as I cry and mourn what I’ve lost, I also cry in awe of what I’ve gained. (Just FYI, I almost always cry when God’s talking to me, so don’t mind me.) I’m still getting to know most of you, but I can already tell that I’m still home. We are brothers and sisters. We won’t agree on everything, but my spirit resonates every time I am The Church with you. The truth is, I was struggling with this, though I hadn’t realized it. I was struggling to let go of how things were before, and release my expectations of what my church family was going to look like. Holy Spirit was speaking to me, but gently because he knows me so well. I think he knew I wasn’t ready to face all my emotions yet. But as I allowed his love to hold me, I was able to grieve what was lost from before. In releasing that, I’ve become more aware than ever of the truth that all of you, here and now, are exactly the people I’m supposed to be with.

This experience of God’s gentleness reminded me more than ever of the importance of listening. God knew I needed to be pushed into thinking about these things, but only when I was ready, when I was feeling safe in his love and safe in this new (old) place. He knew the time was right because he knows me, and cares about me, and sees my heart. He’s the perfect listener, who knows our needs before we say a word. I was able to receive his Truth joyfully because I felt safe in his Love.

I pray that we can embody this gentle and humble spirit. My God waits to speak truth until I’m ready. And when another person feels safe and loved by me, I can speak truth in love and hope to be heard as well.

Ephesians 4:1-2
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Ephesians 4:11-16
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Psalm 145:4-9
One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.
They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—and I will meditate on your wonderful works.
They tell of the power of your awesome works—and I will proclaim your great deeds.
They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.
The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.

About the Author

Truth in Love | Exposure to the Light

Mike D'Eliso October 21, 2022

Being a part of the Christian subculture, the term Truth in Love is nothing new. I think my knee-jerk assumption is that it’s a free pass to tell people things they don’t want to hear, but in a nice way. But what if there is a broader way that the Church, God’s people, brings truth to our community? Truth - honest reflections of where evil, brokenness, and selfishness ravish God’s good creation - are spoken not in judgment and shame inducing “other-izing,” but with invitational love.

I was caught up in a rabbit trail this morning (as I often am), learning about the 1919 Elaine Massacre. I had never heard of this mass destruction of black bodies in rural Arkansas that took place over 100 years ago. A post on social media shared at the right time of day was all I needed to send me into investigation mode to learn what they were talking about. One thing led to another …you know the drill. I invite you to explore that Wikipedia rabbit trail on your own time.

With Truth in Love on my mind, I was very interested to learn about the memorial for this tragic event that was actually built pretty recently. The website of the Elaine Massacre Memorial leads with a quote from author James Baldwin: “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” Now regardless of your familiarity with or opinions about James Baldwin, this quote took me right back to scripture’s usage of light and dark. The way of bringing the gross, dark, shame-filled things to the light and exposing that which was hidden, brings the opportunity for healing.

In Ephesians 5, Paul is talking about “walking in love,” rather than how we used to walk, and “walking as children of light,” rather than in the darkness we once walked. He then builds the case for how to walk in this new way in verse 13: “But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.”

Exposure to the light! The light of truth exposes these horrible sins and only then do we have a chance to mourn, repent, reconcile, and heal. The way of love leads us to the light.

I know my gut reaction to my embarrassing behavior is to hide it. I saw it in my children when they were toddlers because it is what’s natural to us. I know I do it now in my 30s. When I trip, I look around to make sure no one sees it. When I fail, I hope no one will know it was me. On a larger scale, we as a nation attempt to bury our hate-filled histories like that of the Elaine Massacre and The Red Summer of 1919…not to mention the hate-filled racial history here in Eugene, from the burning crosses on Skinner’s Butte to the segregated Ferry Street Community across the Willamette. (Consider a walking tour of Eugene’s black history https://traveloregon.com/things-to-do/take-a-walking-tour-of-eugenes-black-history/)

It wasn’t until 2019 that the 1919 tragedy was formally memorialized. Before the concrete memorial was built, a willow tree was planted on site, which only months later was cut down and the memorial tag stolen. People kept trying to keep this story hidden. But this hiding is not the way of Jesus, not the way of truth in love, and not the way of healing and wholeness.

When the truth is exposed to the light we can see it, address it, and repent from it. This is why Auschwitz and other internment camps are available for tours to this day. And this exposure of evil to the light was the invitation from the prophets to Judah, Israel, and the surrounding nations. This is the invitation to healing today. Without bringing these histories to the light there can be no healing.

The light is God’s light. If it were not, then the light would be dangerous. But this light is the light that can handle the truth with love.

Pray with me:

Psalm 139
23 Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

About the Author

Mike is CitySalt's Lead Pastor. Mike is married to Britni and together they have two awesome elementary school-aged children. He loves working in his garden and connecting with people over coffee. One of his greatest joys in pastoring is helping others discover the fullness that God has for them through His Scriptures and His Spirit.

Truth in Love | Water of Life

Terry Sheldon October 14, 2022

Truth and love are likely the most essential pair of words in our scriptures, and even better, they go hand in hand. Ephesians 4:14 refers to them in tandem - as truth IN love. I instantly had an image of a jug of cold, fresh water. When combined, both the jug and the water become so special and more than the sum of their parts.

But can’t we also say the opposite - that when separated, truth and love become LESS than their individual best? I think so.

Consider truth as water.

They were certainly woven beautifully together between metaphor and hard reality in Jesus' encounter with the woman at the well. He asked her for a drink, even though he could have served himself. It was all about the conversation. They discussed the truth of her life's struggles, and of water - living water.

The very nature of water is fluid. It can be a perplexing paradox of life-giving or life-taking, depending on the circumstances. A massive waterfall can be breathtaking in both senses of the word. Truth can also have two outcomes. Real truth can set us free, but someone's immature version of the truth can be wielded as a sword that can maim and kill.

And the jug is love.

Love is truth’s container. Water NEEDS a container, or it can be lost and unusable. Think about how our culture misuses and abuses the very idea of love. It's romantic or patriotic, passionate or proud, and all too often, self-serving. But consider the humble, utilitarian JUG. So useful, so practical, yet so vital!

The Apostle Paul’s description of perfect love in Corinthians 13 is basic and useful as well: "Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for itself. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. Love doesn't strut, doesn't have a swelled head. It doesn't force itself on others, isn't always "me first." It doesn't fly off the handle, and it doesn't keep score of the sins of others. It doesn't revel when others grovel but takes pleasure in the flowering of truth. It puts up with anything - trusts God always and always looks for the best. It never looks back, but keeps going to the end. Love never dies!"

Wow, that must be one beautiful jug, right?

Back in Ephesians, Paul combines truth and love: "Know the whole truth and tell it in love (like Christ) in everything." He uses phrases like "be mature" and "grow.” At the end of Corinthians’ love chapter he tempers truth a bit: "We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled."

Seek the truth and grow up. And love really well. Got it.

Carry the jug everywhere and keep it full. But I bet that real truth and real love cannot be separated. For me, they seem like the two boundary edges of my faith that I am constantly hitting, nudging me back towards the middle. Truth without love can be stark, lifeless and lead to idolatry. Love without truth can be shaky, shallow and self-serving. But when combined - it's life in the Lord fully realized!

About the Author

He finds all of this fascinating and sees that it has encouraged the growth of something crucial in his Christian development: empathy and compassion toward his brothers and sisters on this planet.

Truth in Love | Truthing in Love

Aaron Friesen October 7, 2022

In Ephesians 4, Paul shares a vision for how a Christian community can become mature in Christ. Paul says that God has provided apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip and build up God’s people. He goes on to say that as the body of Christ grows and becomes mature, it will no longer be blown around and tossed back and forth by whatever cunning or crafty teaching that comes our way. In contrast to that way of living, Paul describes a different way of being in the world. The phrase that Paul uses to describe this way of being is most often translated “speaking the truth in love.” What does Paul mean by this phrase?

Often, I have heard people appeal to this verse in defense of a moral obligation that they believe Christians have to speak up, proclaim and preach biblical truth no matter how difficult or uncomfortable or harsh it might seem to other people. In this line of interpretation, the “in love” part of the verse is usually applied to the motives behind one’s decision to speak up. In short, our love for God’s truth and our concern that people not be deceived should compel us to speak up and profess truth (as we have defined it) whenever we have the opportunity, no matter how unpopular it might be.

While honesty, truth-telling and speaking up about injustices and wrongs is an essential part of community building, I don’t think that our words are the only (or even the main) thing that Paul had in mind with this phrase. In Greek, the phrase that Paul uses is alētheuein en agape. The Greek word for speaking or saying (laleō) is not used here. Instead, Paul simply uses the verb form of truth (alētheia), which certainly could include speaking honestly (it is used in this way in 4:25) but is much broader.

John Stott presents this argument in his commentary on Ephesians, “’Speaking the truth in love’ is not the best rendering of [Paul’s] expression, for the Greek verb makes no reference to our speech. Literally, it means, ‘truthing (alētheuontes ) in love’, and includes the notions of ‘maintaining,’ ‘living’ and ‘doing’ the truth.”(1) Peter Williamson and Mary Healy’s commentary on Ephesians also picks up on this point of translation and they explain Paul’s main idea in this way:

Rather than being deceived and unstable, Christians should be living the truth. The Greek here uses the participle of a verb derived from “truth”– comparable to “truthing” – that contrasts with the “trickery,” “cunning,” and “deceitful scheming” that precedes it. Paul calls us not only to be loyal to the truth, but to do so without being arrogant or harsh: he urges us to live in the truth out of a desire for the good of others, acting in love.(2)

Although this may seem like a minor point of translation, I think it has significant implications for how we might apply Paul’s words to our everyday lives. Theologian Miroslav Volf identifies some of these points in his book Exclusion and Embrace:

Commentators usually render this term “speaking the truth in love.” But the verb used in the original is not “to speak” but “to truth,” which in addition to speaking the truth may mean cherishing, maintaining, doing or living the truth… [Paul’s point is that] untruth holds captive both minds and lives and therefore cannot be overcome only with right thoughts and right words. It takes a truthful life to want to seek after truth, to see the truth when confronted by it, and to say the truth out loud without fear.(3)

If Paul’s accent is not on the words that we speak (although it certainly includes our words), but the way that we live our lives, then the most important question we should be asking ourselves in response to this verse is not, “What should I say because I love God?” Instead, the key question may be something like, “What should I be doing in order to align my life to the truth of God’s love?” Sometimes, this aligning of our lives may involve speaking up. At other times, it may involve shutting up. The important thing is that in whatever we are doing, we are allowing our actions to be shaped by the bigness of God’s love for the world that surpasses all knowledge (Ephesians 3:17-19). I think this way of interpreting this phrase makes so much sense in the context of this section of Paul’s letter – a section that is focused on articulating a new way of living that corresponds to all the grace and love that we all have received from God in Christ (Ephesians 4:1-3) in contrast to a life that is governed by a deadened sensitivity toward others (Ephesians 4:17-18).

Thanks to the internet and social media, there are now many platforms and digital spaces available to us where we can post/speak our opinions, thoughts, and beliefs for others to read/hear. These tools open up amazing opportunities to share things that are important to us with others across huge geographical distances, but if we feel a sense of closure or completeness in simply posting (speaking) our truth for others to read, we have missed the point of what Paul is talking about. The power of whatever truth that we have to share will only be realized as we do our best to work it out through concrete actions in our daily lives and relationships. This action, and the corresponding good fruit that comes from it over time, is what authenticates a message that is really true in contrast to other messages that we might speak or hear that prove to be false or unreliable. I think this is what John was getting at when he wrote, “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. This is how we know that we belong to the truth” (1 John 3:18-19, NIV).

As somebody who has spent a lot of time in school researching, writing, reading, analyzing, and discussing words, I realize I can get pretty fixated on trying to say things just right. The words we say to ourselves and one another are certainly important, but I can let the task of careful and precise talking and thinking distract me or, even worse, excuse me from the most important task of putting those ideas into practice. I need to be reminded that the most powerful witness to truth that I have is not my words but my life. A life shaped by love is the truest, realest thing in the world, and a life shaped by love can communicate truth powerfully whether or not I have exactly the right words to go with it.

John Stott, The Message of Ephesians (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2020), 131.
Williamson, Peter S., and Mary Healy. Ephesians. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture (Grand Rapids, Mich: Baker Academic, 2009), 122-123.
Miroslav Volf, Exclusion and Embrace: A Theological Exploration of Identity, Otherness, and Reconciliation (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1996), 256.

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Ephesians 4 | Living Out Our Deepest Values

Leona Abrahao September 30, 2022

In my walk as a Christian and my journey through this life, I’m always looking for direction and reminders for living out my deepest values and allowing them to guide my choices, big and small.

How wonderful that we have the bible to guide us! The second part of Ephesians 4 in the New International Version, is clearly subtitled, “Instructions for Christian Living.” If you’re on a mission to live well as a Christian too, I’d say “look no further;” although the bible is full of these instructions, so do look further! For now, here is what Paul instructs us to do in Ephesians 4:

Speak truthfully to your neighbor
In your anger, do not sin
Do not steal, do honest work
Have something to share with those in need
Speak “what is helpful for building others up according to their needs”
Do not grieve the holy spirit
Get rid of bitterness, rage and anger
Be kind and compassionate to one another
Forgive one another

I feel like when I was young, I was taught to be kind as if it was easy, and for the most part I found that it was. I may have a selective memory, but I don’t remember having any significant conflict of my own. My siblings and I got along well (until the summer we spent playing Nintendo). But as I got older I found myself facing conflicts and feeling angry. Even in my desire to be kind, I found myself hurting others with my words and actions. Being kind suddenly wasn’t so easy. As adults, we are challenged by this world and the instructions Paul gives us become more like instructions for putting together furniture, simple pictures that don’t pan out so well when put into action.

Looking at these instructions as an experienced adult, familiar with many of life's challenges, I notice how these instructions are saying so much more. Three stand out:

“In your anger, do not sin.” Paul acknowledges our anger and that we do have it, that it is a reality in this world. I appreciate that recognition so that we can learn to face it with good choices, learning how to respond “in our anger” so that when it bubbles up, we do not sin.
Speak “what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.” This is written as, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29.
What really speaks to me here is that he adds “according to their needs.” I hear Paul telling us to choose our words carefully, recognizing who we are speaking to and how those words will be received, to use words that “benefit those who listen.” This is a wonderful reminder for me when I feel convicted in my truth and want to share “my wisdom” with my children. They may not hear it as I intended if I am not careful to choose words that are “helpful for building others up,” specifically words that will land well with the person I am speaking to.
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger.” Now this is a project. I also just shared how grateful I am that Paul recognizes that we do have anger, so what does that make us if we feel anger, yet are also instructed to “get rid of all .. anger?” It makes us a work in progress. This may mean we are working through old traumas or simply replacing a sharp reaction with a deep breath and a smile. Either way, the end goal (that we may never reach) keeps us progressing and living out our deepest values, by bringing God’s grace and love to each choice we make, big and small.

In summary, Ephesians 4 reminds me to strive for a pure heart with no bitterness, rage or anger by speaking words that are helpful in building others up, so that in moments of anger I will not sin. This helps me live out my deepest values of contributing kindness, sharing God’s love and encouragement with others, and living with a positive perspective and a deep gratitude to our Lord. And when I stumble, I can remember that I am a work in progress and be kind and encouraging to myself! I hope you will do the same.

About the Author

Leona is a wife, mother and traveler who is intrigued by how different people live. Her latest project is exploring ways that different walks of life can simplify, in order to live a fulfilling journey.

Ephesians 4 | The Signet Seal of the Holy Spirit

Mike Wilday September 9, 2022

In biblical times, kings would use hot wax or clay and a signet ring to seal vital items. The seal carried the authority and validity of the king. Anyone who viewed that seal knew the king had authorized the document or was guarding the content within. In the fourth chapter of his letter to the Ephesians, Paul references this imagery.

Ephesians 4:30 (NASB)
Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

This imagery carries many connotations, which we will consider in this blog post.

Holy Spirit is a promise. Signet rings were often used in royal transactions as a promise or a pledge that whatever was contracted would be carried out. In Ephesians 4, Paul indicates that the Lord seals us with his spirit as a promise of what’s to come. The Spirit’s presence and power pledge to us that the day of redemption will come. The blessed day when Christ returns in glory and redeems his people, when we become fully like him, and when his power transforms us fully into his likeness is yet to come, but we have the Holy Spirit and his power to imbue us until that day arrives. (2 Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:14; Eph. 4:29)

Holy Spirit is an impression and impartation of God himself. At its base value, a king’s seal was an impression left by a ring or a specially made tube on wax or clay. Holy Spirit, who is entirely God, is likewise impressed on every believer; a marking of the power and presence of Christ. The fullness of God comes to dwell within and imparts us with everything we need for life and godliness. We are duly marked and impressed with all our King's markings. And as we allow Holy Spirit to work in our lives, we become more and more an impression of who our King is. (1 John 3:24; Tit. 3:4-7; Eph. 1:13; 2 Pet. 1:3)

Holy Spirit is a witness to whoever encounters us. Those who would encounter the signet seal of a king were witnesses to the authenticity of whatever was marked. The impression was clear and identified with clarity to whom the document belonged. The work of Holy Spirit in our lives, his gifts, his fruit, and ultimately our transformation into God’s likeness is a witness to those we encounter. It is a witness to them of whom we belong to and of the reality of our loving father. This is the very reason God sent his Spirit. The disciples received the gift of Holy Spirit to empower them and set them apart as God’s witness. To empower us to be his witness is still his Spirit’s purpose in our lives today. (Acts 1:8; 1 Cor. 12:7-12; John 15:26-27)

Holy Spirit is a symbol of God’s power and authority. Those who carried their king's seal possessed the full authority of the king. Whatever message they brought, transaction they were representing him in, or promise made under that seal carried the full authority and power of the king to act upon it. Likewise, the King of all Kings has empowered us with his own Spirit and has given us authority over the heavens and the earth. He has empowered us to be his witnesses and walk boldly upon the earth. God has granted us authority over the powers of this world and the strength to resist the devil who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. He has freed us from the power of death, sin, and our sinful nature and freed us to follow him and his leadership. (Acts 1:8; 2 Cor. 3:16-18; Gal. 5:16-25; 2 Tim 1:7)

Holy Spirit is the ratification of God’s covenant with us. A signet seal was a mark indicating the validity of a treaty or a king's work. The Lord has signified the work he is doing within us by sealing us with the promise of Holy Spirit. His presence in our lives indicates the work the father has begun in us. We can rest in his work as we surrender to his Spirit and allow his fruit to bear in our lives. As we allow the Holy Spirit to confirm the word of the Lord and transform us into the likeness of Jesus, we can rest assured in our hope in Christ and our complete redemption.

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Ephesians 4 | Spirit Filled Thoughts

Mollie Havens August 26, 2022

Ephesians 4 is a calling to live a sanctified life. We are to “live a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called” (Ephesians 4:1), exhibiting godly character, moral courage, personal integrity and mature behavior. In order to have actions and words that represent Christ and his love for humanity, we need to have a thought life that is honorable to Christ. Verse 23 of Ephesians 4 prompts us to continually renew the spirit of our minds and put on the new self that is created in the image of God, thinking of things that are righteous and holy and true, and being thankful to God for all he has done for us.

In Philippians 4:8 it says
“Finally believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things.”

For us to live a life of joy and peace, we must think of things that are true and lovely to God.

My mind is prone to anxiety, doubts and a lack of self confidence. It is easy for me to play the “what if” game in my mind and not trust God with my future. I start to think about worst case scenarios and worry about my finances, health, or relationships. However, God calls me to control my thought life and think about his plan and purposes and peace. So now, when I begin to get anxious I think about the character of God. Psalm 86:15 describes God as a loving, compassionate Father who is slow to anger and is always faithful. This reminds me that even when I do face hardships, God will be there with me to provide comfort and He will never give more than I can handle. To think continually on the things of God, I need to have a healthy prayer life and be in constant communication with Him. Later in Philippians 4, it discusses how not to be anxious about anything, but to pray about everything. It is easy for me to depend on my own strength to get things done. Instead, I should be dependent on the Lord and seek his wisdom and guidance.

In my own power I cannot live a godly life with God-filled thoughts. I am a depraved human that is made new by the power of the Holy spirit, who dwells in me. He is the great counselor and helper who directs my thoughts as I submit to Him. He transforms me into the image of His Son and purifies my mind. He knows my thoughts from afar. We cannot flee from his Spirit. He is the still small voice inside of us prompting us to think how He would think, say what He would say, and do what He would do. So how do we live a sanctified life? We get to know the Spirit better, be in tune with Him, spend time with Him, worship Him, have conversations with Him and be sensitive to where He leads.

Romans 8:5-6 states
“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on things of the flesh, but those who live according to the spirit set their minds on things of the Spirit. For to set the mind that is set on the flesh is death, but to set their minds on things of the Spirit is life and peace.”

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Ephesians 4 | Grieving the Holy Spirit

John Rice August 12, 2022

Ephesians 4:30 NKJV
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

The idea that God is Three-in-One and One-in-Three will most likely always be a mystery to me …and I’m guessing to many other people as well. It’s a little helpful when I consider how much bigger God is than we humans are and, because of that, He doesn’t easily fit into the logical boxes we construct to try and understand things. To be honest, I’m glad I can’t completely understand God! If I could, I’m not sure He would be such a big God. And even though I know He is much more than a Father, Son and Holy Spirit, these familiar names are helpful to me to get some kind of idea of what He’s like.

Toward the end of Ephesians 4, which speaks mostly about keeping unity in the Body of Christ, Paul makes an interesting command. He says, “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God.”

What? The Holy Spirit of God can grieve? How is that possible? And we have the power to grieve the Holy Spirit? Oh no! That sounds like something we should really look into. Surely no one really sets out to grieve the Holy Spirit. But if we can, then apparently sometimes we do, and if that is true, then what does it mean, how do we do it and how can we not do it?

Before looking into this, there are a couple of other commands in the Bible that seem related to how we can affect the Spirit of God: do not quench the Holy Spirit (1Thessalonians 5:19) and do not blaspheme the Holy Spirit (Mark 3:29). So we can grieve, quench and blaspheme the Holy Spirit. I think these are topics we would do well to look into.

To grieve someone means to cause them sorrow. An online definition of the word I found on helpguide.org states, “Grieving is the natural response to loss.” If the Holy Spirit is responding to a loss of some kind, what kind of loss is it? I’m thinking it’s most likely a loss of closeness to us or a rift between us in some way. Could it be that the Holy Spirit loves nothing more than to be close and connected to us? God expresses His love for his creation when He says in Genesis 2, He created light and it was good; He created the earth and all its natural movements and He called it good; He created light and oceans and animals and humans; and He called them all very good. God is love and He loves all His creation.

Throughout the Old and New Testaments we see God’s love at work in various ways: He provides for us, He liberates us, He teaches us, He guides us and He warns us of dangers to us and to those around us. It’s no wonder He is often represented as the good father (though He could also be, and sometimes is, represented as the good mother.) So if God loves us so much, it would make sense that He would grieve over anything that would disrupt our relationship with Him.

In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he mentions some of the things that can grieve God’s Spirit: being ignorant of God and having a hard heart, being greedy, impure in thought and deed, lying, allowing our anger to go unchecked, stealing, speaking ungraciously, holding bitterness, squabbling or fighting, slandering, and acting maliciously in any way.

And why does God hate these things? Because in practicing these things we disrupt our relationships with other people…the very people He loves! And in doing so, we injure our own souls as well. This is the opposite of what the Spirit wants for us. So He grieves. But He doesn’t just say to not do these things. He also shows us the ways that please Him: speak the truth in love, build up one another, grow in Jesus, be renewed in your mind, be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another. Be imitators of God, live in love. This is our new self, mirroring God’s love back to Him, as well as to others and to ourselves.

I mentioned that the Bible also notes that we can quench the Holy Spirit. In 1Thessalonians 5:14-22, Paul admonishes us to encourage the faint-hearted, help the weak and be patient. He says not to repay evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. He exhorts us to rejoice always, to pray without ceasing and to give thanks in all circumstances. Hold fast to what is good. Do not quench the Holy Spirit.

The ideas of quenching and grieving are really very similar, but they offer different images: grieving is to cause sorrow to someone; quenching is a word used when talking about putting out a fire. The Bible often refers to the Holy Spirit as fire. Remember the “tongues of fire” appearing over the disciples at Pentecost in Acts 2? Or the burning bush that spoke to Moses in the desert in Exodus 3? The Spirit is like a fire in our souls, giving us warmth and energy that never burns out. Apparently Paul is wanting to say that, although we can never diminish the Holy Spirit Himself, we can certainly diminish the fire within our souls by making ourselves insensitive to the grace and power of the Spirit that is within us.

It seems to me, the most serious of all admonitions in the Bible is Jesus warning that “anyone who speaks a word against (blasphemes) the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, in this age or in the age to come.” (Matthew 12:32) What can this mean? How very sobering! Commentators have said that the difference between “blaspheming” as mentioned by Jesus in Matthew and “grieving or quenching” as mentioned by Paul, is that Jesus is referring to someone who forever and ever despises the Spirit of God, despises all things good, and set their hearts to do evil constantly. Grieving and quenching are simply the results of our ignorance or weak humanity, but with someone whose true desire is to follow God and be like God, in other words, a person directed by love.

God is love. His love never fails. We are the ones who can distance ourselves from Him and His love by our thoughts, attitudes and behaviors. Thankfully, knowledge of this reality is mentioned in the Bible all the way through by the Prophets, in the Psalms and Proverbs, by the Apostles and by Jesus Himself. Love gives wisdom and knowledge. Love warns. Love forgives when we mess up “seventy times seven times.” And Love gives us the power and strength to live a life that builds up, instead of diminishes, our relationship with our good God. Thank you, Jesus!

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Ephesians 4 | Re-Sensitized by the Spirit

Aaron Friesen July 29, 2022

I remember when our kids were little, they were quite sensitive to the background music playing in stores in a way that I was not. There were multiple times where I noticed my one-year-old child bopping to store music while sitting in the grocery cart when I hadn’t even noticed that any music was playing. Over time, I guess my brain learned to filter out the music. Apparently, the playlist on the overhead speakers at Fred Meyer wasn’t nearly as important as other things like which kind of cheese to get or finding the garbanzo bean aisle. But the brain of the child sitting in the cart right in front of me wasn’t doing that kind of filtering. They were noticing and hearing every note played and word sung, and it was causing their whole body to move to the beat.

Just like my brain now has a deadened sensitivity to store background music, we can have our senses deadened to other more important things. This is the reality that Paul describes in Ephesians chapter four. Paul says,

17-19
So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.

Here, Paul describes a significant problem that he has observed among the Gentiles. He says that they have lost all sensitivity. Sensitivity to what? If you look at the whole chapter, it becomes clear that what Paul is concerned about is a loss of sensitivity to how one’s actions - words, sexual practices, spending habits, work ethic, etc. - can tear down or build up other people. Paul says that this desensitization, over time, has separated them from the life God intended for them - a life of “good works” (2:10) and “works of service” (4:12). Paul goes on to explain that this desensitization has led to all forms of greed (wanting to take more for oneself at the expense of others), unwholesome talk (words that tear people down), and sexual practices that are impure (focused on one’s own pleasure at the expense of another).

Sidenote: the NIV translates a phrase in v.19 “given themselves over to sensuality,” but that may not be the best translation because it can give the impression that one’s bodily senses are bad and lead us astray, which seems to contradict the “loss of sensitivity” Paul describes in the previous verse. The Greek word there is “aselgeia,” which literally means “self-abandonment” or “a complete lack of self-constraint.”* The idea is that the Gentiles have lost sensitivity to how their actions affect other people (the common good) and have given themselves over to an attitude and way of life where certainly bodily urges are leading the way without boundaries or restraint. Paul’s point is that our bodily senses are good and helpful gifts from God, but when they are put solely in the service of what makes me as an individual feel good in a moment, they will destroy the very things that God intends to build up in my life.

Paul contrasts this way of life with the new kind of living toward which God leads us in Christ. One way we could summarize this new life is a renewed sensitivity to how our actions and decisions are connected to and affect the plight and wellbeing of other people. The Holy Spirit reactivates our senses (senses that God has given us all from the beginning but that have been deadened over time) the way Jesus’ senses were activated – re-tuning our ears to the needs and cries of the people around us.

Think about how many times Jesus stopped and paid attention to people that had become background music for other people. Remember the story when Jesus was walking in a sea of people and suddenly, he stopped and asked, “Who touched me?” His disciples were like, “What are you talking about? Everybody is touching you!” But Jesus, whose senses were not so deadened, knew different. He knew something significant was happening to somebody in the moment and he stopped to find out who it was and address it.

This is the kind of re-sensitizing that the Holy Spirit is ready to do in us if we are open to it! The Holy Spirit inside of us wants to awaken our senses to the reality that we are on this earth to build up others, to encourage others, to care for the needs of others, to lift others up, to be agents of healing and hope, and to love one another honestly and deeply. Paul’s urgent plea to the Ephesians, and to us as the church, is that those who are moved by the Spirit in a new direction with these new sensitivities should take on new actions that are consistent with them.

I’m confident this is the way the Holy Spirit slowly and surely builds a community of love in our midst:

Individuals become re-sensitized to God’s love through Christ
They catch a vision of what life could look like if it was governed by Christ’s love
They learn ways of being, acting and decision making that do and do not correspond to that way of love embodied in Christ
They begin to align their way of living to this new way of living – the way of love, the way of Christ

The good news is that the Holy Spirit intends for this re-sensitization to happen within community. We need apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, and evangelists to teach us and show us, in different ways, how our lives are connected to the lives of others so that we truly are prepared and equipped for works of service (4:11-13). Each, in their own way, help us to do this. The apostles among us, like Paul, help us to catch a vision of what could be in the world if we each take the call of Christ seriously. The prophets among us help to uncover individual and systemic injustices that do not truly embody Christ’s love. The pastors and teachers among us come alongside to elucidate, clarify, and demonstrate this new way of love. And the evangelists among us remind us that the community of Christ’s love is intended to be ever-expanding and growing to include more and more people.

During the past two years, I think the Holy Spirit – through the input of many prophets, apostles, evangelists, teachers, and pastors – has been re-sensitizing me to certain needs in our larger community that had become background music. It’s amazing to me that as I’ve become more attuned to certain needs around me God has also helped me to see how I can play a small part in addressing those needs. This is how God works!

*Frederic W. Danker, Ed. Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and other Early Christian Literature, Third Edition. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2001.

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