Tender Mercies (compassion for the hurts of others)
Kindness (simply being nice to others)
Humility (putting others before self)
Meekness (a gentle response to wrongdoing)
Longsuffering (being patient even when you are treated unfairly)
Bearing with one another (willingly accepting those who are different from you)
Forgiving one another (not seeking revenge on someone who has done wrong to you)
Above all the things Paul has already mentioned, he commands believers to “put on love, which is the bond of perfection.” Followers of Christ should genuinely care about others and therefore love them no matter what. When things seem to be falling apart, love is what can hold everything together (3:14). When our hearts are submitted to God, He provides peace even in the midst of trial (3:15). Another key factor in developing the character of the new man is letting “the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.” The results of allowing God’s word to dwell in you are interesting since it yields the same results as being filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:15-21). I believe that God’s word works together with God’s Spirit and results in singing to the Lord from our heart (3:16), seeking to please God in every action (3:17), and proper relationships with others (3:18-4:1). Wives will submit to husbands (3:18). A husband will love his wife (3:19). Children will obey their parents (3:20). Fathers will nor establish harsh rules on their children which cause rebellion (3:21). Employees will work hard even when the boss is not around because they are representing God (3:22-25). Employeers will treat their employees with respect (4:1). Paul has provided a big list of characteristics for the new man. Take some time and examine each one. Are you living in the new man or are you resorting to the works of your past?
Dear God, provide the power for me to represent You well through my attitudes and actions. Convict me of areas where I need to change.
