Religion
Level 4
(P-T)
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Commentary by William MacDonald
4:2 "In every sphere of life, it is important to show a Christlike spirit. This consist of:" Lowliness--a genuine humility that comes from association with the Lord Jesus. Lowliness makes us conscious of our own nothingness and enable us to esteem others better than ourselves. It is the opposite of conceit and arrogance.
Gentleness--the attitude that submits to God's dealings without rebellion, and the man's unkindness without retaliation. It is best seen in the life of Him who said, "I am gentle and lowly in heart."
Longsuffering--an even disposition and spirit of patience under prolonged provocation. This has been illustrated as follows: Imagine a puppy and a big dog together. As the puppy barks at the big dog, worrying and attacking him, the big dog, who could snap up the puppy with one bite, patiently puts up with the puppy's impertinence.
Bearing with one another in love--that is, making allowance for the faults and failures of others, or differing personalities, abilities, and temperaments. And it is not a question of maintaining a facade of courtesy while inwardly seething with resentment. It means positive love to those who irritate, disturb, or embarrass.
4:3 Endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. In forming the church, God had eliminated the greatest division that had ever existed among human beings--the rift between Jews and Gentiles. In Christ Jesus these distinctions were abolished. But how would it work out in their life together? Would there still be lingering antagonisms? Would there be a tendency to form a "Jewish Church of Christ" and a "Church of the Nations"? To guard against any divisions or smoldering animosities, Paul now pleads for unity among Christians. They should give diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit has made all true believers one in Christ; the Body is indwelt by one Spirit. This is a basic unity that nothing can destroy. But by quarreling and bickering, believers can act as if it were not so. To keep the unity of the Spirit means to live at peace with one another. Peace is the ligament which binds the members of the Body together inspite of their wide natural differences. A common reaction when differences arise is to divide and start another party. The spiritual reaction is this: " In essentials, unity. In doubtful questions, liberty. In all things, charity." There is enough of the flesh in every one of us to wreck any local church or any other work of God. Therefore, we must submerge our own petty, personal whims and attitudes, and work together in peace for the glory of God and for common blessing."
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