Together in Christ: 'A Transformed Attitude Toward Our Neighbors' — Ephesians 4:23-27

Saturday, February 3, 2024

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Instead [of living by your corrupt sinful nature], let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God — truly righteous and holy.

So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And "don't sin by letting anger control you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

— Ephesians 4:23-27 NLT

Key Thought

We all tend to classify our neighbors into people we like to "hang around with" and those we'd prefer to avoid — mere proximity neighbors. Luke made sure we know to love ALL of our neighbors. He included the story of the Good Samaritan as Jesus' definition of loving our neighbors. [1]

We have the Holy Spirit to empower us past our sinful nature and to guide us to live righteous and holy lives with those around us. [2] That means we are called to love our neighbors and act towards them based on two principles:

  1. We treat them as we would have them treat us — i.e., living by the Golden Rule! [3]
  2. We treat them as God has treated us. [4]

In today's verses, Paul specifically addressed two sins that so easily can control our lives and ruin our relationships: lying and anger. We must speak the truth in love. We must resolve our differences with others before anger has time to fester. As Paul said it elsewhere: "Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone." [5] Being at peace means speaking truthfully to our neighbors "in a gentle and respectful way" [6] and not letting anger simmer between us. [7]

Sounds like Paul knows where I live and how my attitude needs to change as I deal with ALL of my neighbors! How about you?

[1] Luke 10:25-37. Jesus makes the hero of His parable a Samaritan, a race that Jewish people in that time generally despised and looked down on.
[2] Galatians 5:13-23; Ephesians 3:14-21, 4:30.
[3] Matthew 7:12; Psalm 15:1-3.
[4] John 13:34-35; Ephesians 4:31-32, 5:1-2.
[5] Romans 12:18. See also, Hebrews 12:14.
[6] 1 Peter 3:15-16.
[7] Ephesians 4:26-27.

Today's Prayer

Almighty God, thank You for loving me and welcoming me as Your child. Forgive me when I lose sight of the fact that my attitude and actions toward my neighbors matter to You. I do have neighbors I prefer to avoid. I do have neighbors with whom I have not resolved long-standing conflicts. Bless me and empower me as I try to conform my heart to the ways of the Holy Spirit [A] as Your presence within me transforms me to be more like Jesus. [B] Amen.

[A] Galatians 5:23-25.
[B] 2 Corinthians 3:18.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Luke 10:25-37
  • Galatians 5:13-26

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Illustration

Illustration of Ephesians 4:23-27 NLT — Instead [of living by your corrupt sinful nature], let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God — truly righteous and holy. So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And "don't sin by letting anger control you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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