How to make It work

This morning Paul is still telling how to survive and thrive in Unity. He has told us to put away the old way of living. He wants us to live in such a way that glorifies God, edifies our brothers and sisters, and nullifies the enemies chances of creating division and dissension in the body of Christ.

I. Walk in Honesty

Ephesians 4:15 NKJV

15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—

Power Principle: often times our deceit is not the truth we bend; it’s the truth we withhold.

Paul is telling us that we must be honest with one another. Often times we simply mean do not lie maliciously. But often times our deceit isn’t the truth we bend, It’s the truth we withhold. I am not saying it’s our job to be in everyone’s business.

I am saying that many times when we see behavior unbecoming of the people we love, we hold back the truth to keep the peace. They are asking for honest feedback and we default to the easy answer. That person is not helped.This creates silent frustration and creates unresolved issues.

Dishonesty:

Tears down trust

Tears up Relationships

II. Manage our emotions

Ephesians 4:26 NKJV

26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath,

Proverbs 16:32 NKJV

32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

Our emotions are great servants to make us aware. They cause chaos when we leave them in charge. Notice the bible has a distinct difference between anger and sin. You can be angry without sinning. But if you do not resolve that anger, it will lead to sin.

Anger is a part of your humanity. It indicates that there is a dissatisfactory situation we are dealing with. It makes us aware that a condition might need to change. If we are not careful, anger will cease to be an indicator and become an ignitor.

We cannot thoughtlessly make people the recipients angry emotional outbursts. This is unhealthy, damaging and unedifying to the kingdom of God. An emotional outburst may relieve tension and stress for a person temporarily. But, it may cause long-term damage for others later. It may also leave to a destructive path that damages the person who holds onto to it.

Ecclesiastes 7:9 NKJV

9 Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, For anger rests in the bosom of fools.

Nor can we not admit, confront and deal with our own anger in a healthy manner.

We must use anger to inform us where healthy boundaries need to be set.

The longer we give anger time to fester the longer the devil has to develop a play. All sorts of things will come to our imagination. It is easy to implant presumptions in other intentions and stoke the fire.

We should acknowledge it, manage it and eject from our lives. Forgiveness is key.

III. Make an Honest Living and Be generous

This is a simple saying. Work for what you need. An honest days pay for an honest days work. We should enjoy the fruit of our hands and be generous. It doing so we glorify God.

IV. T.H.I.N.K. before you speak!

Ephesians 4:29 NKJV

29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

Do not let the product of the depraved heart win the day. Words that are not helpful and tear down and are non beneficial. Paul encourages us to do just the opposite. Our speech should be encouraging and healing.

Colossians 4:6 NKJV

6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

V. Make pleasing God your aim

Ephesians 4:30–31 NKJV

30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.

VI. Walk in Forgiveness

Ephesians 4:32 NKJV

32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

If we belong to Christ, forgiveness will become a part of our spiritual formation.Make a habit of forgiving