Pastor Mike Chat January 13 2026

Описание: Today I want to finish our series of chats on Ephesians chapter 4. Remember, chapter 4 marks a turning point in this letter. The first three chapters deal with our position in Christ—who we are and what we have because we are in Him. Because of that position, we now have the power, authority, ability, and grace of God to live the way we ought to live as believers.

That’s why chapter 4 begins with a call to action. Paul tells we are “to walk worthy of the calling by which we have been called (4:1), and later in verse 17, that “we should no longer walk as the Gentiles walk”. In other words, we are to walk like Christians—to walk as Jesus walked in this world. How did Jesus walk? Jesus forgave those who harmed Him. Even while hanging on the cross, He said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” He lived with love and grace toward those who were critical, bitter, and determined to hurt Him or push Him aside. My friend, that is the way Christ walked, and that is how we are called to walk. When we walk that way, it makes a profound difference in our witness for Christ that Jesus told His disciples to be in Acts 1:8.

This section of the chapter (vs. 17-32), begins with Paul saying, “Don’t walk as the Gentiles walk.” Instead, walk in purity, walk in love, walk in grace. And now as Paul brings this chapter to a close, he identifies the main obstacle that keeps us from walking in grace—bitterness. We could spend weeks talking about bitterness. It is like a seed that gets planted when someone offends us, hurts us, or does something that deeply wounds us. Our natural response is often a desire to get even. But Jesus told us, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” When we hurt someone or offend someone, what do we want? We want forgiveness. We want peace. We want restored relationships. Remember Romans 12:17-21, where God tells us to live at peace with all men, and to return good for evil.

As Paul finishes this chapter, he gives a solemn warning: “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” Our salvation is secure. That does not change. But then Paul goes on to say: “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.” Bitterness is the root problem, and out of that root grows wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking. These are the fruits of an unforgiving heart. Then Paul gives us the remedy: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.”

This is where the victory lies. When someone speaks harshly to you, respond with kindness. When someone tries to hurt you, entrust that hurt to God and say, “Lord, You know. Give me the grace to handle this in a way that honors You.” Be kind to one another. Be tenderhearted. And here is the key—forgiving one another.

I believe the last words Paul speaks in this chapter are especially important. Often, we remember the final words someone says more than anything else. Paul ends with forgiveness. When we forgive, we refuse to let the devil use our heart as a playground. We refuse to let the seed of bitterness grow. Instead, we say, “God, You know best. You said, ‘Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” When someone hurts us—whether intentionally or unintentionally—and we choose not to forgive, bitterness begins to take root. Our heart becomes a battleground with Satan. Bitterness causes us to treat others the way Satan treats people. Forgiveness allows us to treat others the way God treats people. And Scripture reminds us that as God has forgiven us in His loving, gracious kindness, we are to forgive others as well.

Forgiveness is not only for their sake—it is for ours. It is the secret to a joyful, peaceful Christian life. Remember the motivations Paul has given us throughout this chapter to do the right things: We are members of one another. We do not want to give Satan a foothold and we give instead of stealing. We speak truth instead of lying. And we do not want to grieve the Holy Spirit of God or grieve our Father in heaven. Think about it this way: when children—especially adult children—are fighting and divided, it grieves the heart of their parents. Family gatherings become tense. Relationships are strained. That pain reaches deeply into a parent’s heart. My friend, that is exactly what happens when we refuse to forgive one another. We grieve the Holy Spirit. We grieve Jesus Christ, who forgave us. We grieve our Father in heaven.

Let’s not do that today. Let us forgive one another “just as God in Christ forgave us”. Let us be kind and tenderhearted. And may God help us to show the world what it truly means to be Christlike.

God bless you, and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day.