“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”
Ephesians 4:29 NLT
In this chapter Paul is addressing works of the flesh and giving a good reason for living righteously:
“And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.”Ephesians 4:30 NLT
In the book of Revelation we see something about the church at Ephesus. They were doing many good things but the one the the Lord had against them is they had lost their first love. When we lose our first love we become jaded with others and sink into the flesh. We start to listen to the accuser of the brethren and do and say things that are ungodly.
I have watched the opposite happen. I have a friend who frustrated me no end and caused me to react and complain. Now, I love that friend and fully appreciate him. As I have changed and continued to pray for him he has also changed, to become more godly.
My constant challenge is to love the Lord like I did at the beginning. I was so thankful and joyful. May ai constant stay in that place for the outcome for the church at Ephesus was that the Lord would remove their lamp stand.
In looking at the history of the church at Ephesus there was a gradual decline, and it was eventually called the church of Mary. There was a debate about the deity of Christ at birth in the third ecumenical council. The church survived until the 12 century and now is in an area ruled by muslims.
If we want our faith to produce fruits that last we must stay true to our God. He is worthy of all praise. We would do well to continually come back to our first love. Amen!
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