Together in Christ: 'Make Allowances for Other's Faults' — Ephesians 4:1-2

Thursday, May 2, 2024

Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love.

— Ephesians 4:1-2 NLT

Key Thought

God's love is the great eraser. God's love, if we choose to respond to it in faith, erases our shortcomings, flaws, transgressions, and rebelliousness. That eraser has brought us into the Father's family of grace even though we were once weak, ungodly, sinners, and enemies of God. [1] Because God has poured His love out on us with grace and mercy, we should be humble and gentle with others! Since God has forgiven us and, despite our faults, is transforming us to become like Jesus, [2] then shouldn't we treat each other with grace? Can't we be more patient with the shortcomings that others are trying to overcome in their walk with Jesus? Shouldn't we approach each other with a tenderness based on humility, knowing that there but for the grace of God, we would find ourselves?

Yes! Paul emphatically declared this humbleness, gentleness, patience, and love must be true of us. God called us to be His beloved children; displaying our Father's righteous character must include His gracious compassion and loving-kindness. Because our Father chose to forgive our faults to redeem us, then we must make allowance for and forgive each other's faults to bless and redeem them!

[1] Romans 5:6-11 ESV.
[2] Colossians 3:12; 1 Peter 1:22; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18.

Today's Prayer

O, dear Father, I pray for a heart that makes allowances for the faults and shortcomings of others just as You have been patient and kind with my faults and shortcomings. Thank You, Jesus, for displaying this sacrificially loving lifestyle. I ask You, Holy Spirit, to hasten my transformation to be more like Jesus, in Whose mighty name I pray! Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Romans 5:6-11, 12:9-21
  • Colossians 3:5-18

Comments

Archived Facebook Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, May 2, 2024

A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
"Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre. He didn't want anyone to know which house he was staying in, but he couldn't keep it a....."
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
"As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God."
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
"Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. "
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
"It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless we preach as we walk."

Illustration

Illustration of Ephesians 4:1-2 NLT — Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love.

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.