“Amicable Social Requirements!”

“Amicable Social Requirements!”(Eph.4:25-32).
To the Corinthian Christians – and by extension to us – Paul says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”(II Cor.5:17).
Again, benefiting from the discussion between Nicodemus and the Lord Jesus Christ we become fully aware that “no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” This is not to say one has to enter the second time into his mother’s womb to be born! Rather, “…no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Holy Spirit.”(Jn.3:1-8).
When we are born again and when we become new creations what now makes the difference in us and with us to be what we have become; especially with regard to our social interactions?
We are made new in the attitude of our minds as we now put on the new self, created in the image of God in true righteousness and holiness.
We are now the new Ephesian Christians to whom it is written: “Therefore, each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Dear friend, each life is like a bush with all kinds of wild plants. When we become new creations the process of transformation sets in as we rid the bush of the wild grass. And as we plant the desired crops we continue to watch out for the young wild plants that sprout. We take time to weed them out with the weeds before we can be sure of bountiful harvests.
At the end of the day we shall come to what the late Andrew F. Walls calls the “Great Ephesian Moment” where there is genuine unity in the body of Christ with one body, one Spirit, called to one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism and one God and Father of all(Eph.4:1-6).
Yes; at the rendezvous there is space enough for everyone. While we make ourselves comfortabe we should make sure our comfortability is not at the discomfort of others.
Weekend prayer: Holy Spirit inspire us to be at the service of one another. Amen!
Have a blessed weekend! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.