The Purpose of Marriage

The Reason Why Strive to Live Like Christ

Ephesians 4:31–5:2 ESV

31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. 1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

What are we to do?

Remove

bitterness (a state of resentment)

wrath (fury, intense anger)

anger (intense anger that does not subside, simmering anger)

clamor (yelling, emotional outburst)

slander (abusive words aimed at destroying someone’s reputation)

malice (hostility, hateful disposition)

Be

kind (considerate, gentle, sympathetic)

tenderhearted (compassionate)

forgiving (forgive graciously on account of goodwill towards someone)

How are we to do this?

As God in Christ forgave you

God forgives people their sins on the basis on Christ’s work of redemption

It is only through knowing ourselves to be forgiven that we are set free to forgive others lovingly.

How are we to love?

Walk in love

In addition to forgiving, we must give love. A love that prioritizes others above self. That sacrifices of self for others. That seeks the good of others before ourselves.

Again Christ is our pattern: as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us…

Ephesians 5:32 ESV

32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.