²⁶”Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger. ²⁹Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear…” Ephesians 4

When reflecting on the list of moral advice and behavioral guidance from Paul contained in the verses of this reading, it is important to view it within the entire context of the letter to the Ephesian church. As Paul professes throughout Ephesians, it is through Christ and through the cross that we are bonded together in love and unity. A life of love and unity of and for all peoples, Jew and Gentile, all races, all ethnicities, all nationalities, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. There is but one body of Christ, and we are all members of this body. This is the new life that Christ calls us into through his life, death, and resurrection.

What is God calling you to right now? What are your gifts that will allow you to respond to that call?

How does it feel in those moments when you have been an “imitator of God,” and living into Beloved Community?

Let us pray: Grant to us, Lord, we pray, the spirit to think and do always those things that are right, that we, who cannot exist without you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.