And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Truth to Learn Kindness, compassion, and forgiveness are of vital importance within the church. Behind the Words The verb “be” is translated from ginomai, meaning “to cause to be” or “to become.”...
Ephesians 4:31 – Grieving Actions
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and evil speaking be put away from you, along with all malice. Truth to Learn These are things which make God sad. Let’s not do them! Behind the Words The word “Bitterness” is the translation of pikria, from pikros which...
Ephesians 4:30 – Signed, Sealed, and Deliverable
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed unto the day of redemption. Truth to Learn All Christians are sealed with the Holy Spirit of God. Behind the Words “Grieve” is translated from the Greek verb lupeō, which is derived from the noun...
Ephesians 4:29 – Constructive Words
Let no rotten word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for needed edification, that it may give grace to the hearers. Truth to Learn Our speech should build up, not tear down. Behind the Words “Let … proceed” is translated from the verb ekporeuomai, which is...
Ephesians 4:28 – Give or Take
The one stealing, let him steal no more, but rather let him labor, working what is good with his own hands, that he may have something to give him who has need. Truth to Learn Overcome the problem of stealing by giving to others. Behind the Words The words...
Ephesians 4:27 – Accusation and Defense
nor give place to the devil. Truth to Learn Satan accuses us of wrongdoing. Don’t give him more to say. Behind the Words The word “nor” is from mēde, which is made up of mē (implying qualitative negation) and de, meaning “but” or “and.” There is another Greek word...
Ephesians 4:26 – Sinless Anger
"Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on your wrath, Truth to Learn It’s God-like to get angry without sinning. Behind the Words “Angry” is translated from the Greek verb orgidzō. It is based on orgē which refers to “excitement of the mind,”...
Ephesians 4:25 – A Body of Truth
Therefore, putting away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," because we are members of one another. Truth to Learn Honesty is critically important within the body of Christ. Behind the Words “Therefore” is translated from the Greek word dio, which is made up of...
Ephesians 4:24 – It’s Your Choice
and that you put on the new man which, according to God, was created in true righteousness and holiness. Truth to Learn We have a choice in how we live our lives. Behind the Words The words “put on” are the translation of the Greek verb enduō, which is...
Ephesians 4:23 – Christians Growing Young
and to be renewed in the spirit of your mind, Truth to Learn God expects us to use our mind to become more like Christ. Behind the Words “Be renewed” is translated from the Greek verb ananeoō, which appears nowhere else in the New Testament. It is made up...