Since the beginning of Christianity, there has been a debate about how a Chrisian should live while at the same time accepting the full grace of God.  Some would say that it did not matter how you lived your life, since you had been fully forgiven by God and would continue to be forgiven for future sins.  Others would demand an extremely legalistic lifestyle that put additional requirements to receive salvation that went above and beyond a simple faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior.  Both positions have elements of truth while missing the mark on truly understanding living a faithful life. 

The Apostle Paul in this letter to the church in Ephesians clarifies the relationship between receiving God’s grace and living a life worthy of faith.  When Paul stated that he was a prisoner of the Lord, he was actually under house arrest in Rome.  He was being held as a prisoner of the Roman government.  He used his imprisonment to illustrate his submission to God as a result of receiving God’s forgiveness and mercy.  We do not do good works to earn salvation, instead we have a responsibility to live a life worthy of God since we have already received salvation from God.  

Notice that as Paul describes how a Christian should live based on the salvation they have received, he begins by describing the proper attitude of the heart and not legalistic actions.  A person who learns to submit to God will develop an attitude of humility as they place God’s will above their own self-will.  They understand that they are not better than anyone else.  This humble attitude leads to a true patience for others.  All people have flaws and personality quirks.  Instead of being frustrated and losing our temper, we are encouraged to respond with love and gentleness. 

There are some questions we can ask ourselves when we struggle with patience and gentleness toward others.  Are we really living a life of submission to God? Are we expressing an attitude of humility toward others or an attitude that we are better than others?  Are we able to support and love others in the same manner that God loves us?  If we are honest, we can all can grow in our attitude of love and humility!

Read Ephesians 4:1-16