Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32
The early church struggled with divisions and such was the case in Ephesus, where predominately Gentile converts looked down on their fellow Jewish Christians. This Epistle written by Paul reads more like a sermon pamphlet than a friendly letter and in it he stresses an attitude of ‘oneness,’ evidenced with actions.
If you read all of chapter 4, or study the entire book, you will notice that Paul doesn’t speak in generalities. There is too much at stake and honest truth is called for. Unresolved bitterness and grudges result in spiteful behavior, crippling the spread of the Gospel and minimizing the miracle of grace. Our underserved, unmerited favor, salvation, free for everyone, puts us all on equal ground. One God, One Love.
If you are unsure about what to do, be nice. If you must ere, ere on the side of kindness. Just as Christ died for you, you must love the world that much too!
Love,
Gretchen