I love Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians.
Ephesians is a letter concerning the church. Its themes are church themes and its teaching blesses the work and unity of the church.
One of my favorite parts of Ephesians is Ephesians 4:24-32.
Paul begins this section by reminding believers that we are new and that we should live in that newness. The remainder of the section is powerful in its teaching. I often use this section to counsel couples who are experiencing difficulties in their marriage. The passage wasn’t meant for marriage, but it touches marriages in a powerful way. If we would simply follow Scriptural principles, our marriages would be so much better.
Notice how the themes Paul gives for the church would work well for marriage as well.
What does Paul say about Christian relationships and behavior?
First, we are to speak truth to one another. Our language cannot be manipulative, and our words cannot spread anger and sarcasm. The passage has much to say about what we say and how we say it. We will look at this further in the following verses.
Second, be careful with anger and frustration. Both anger and frustration are easy to express and hard to overcome. Don’t let these lead to sin and be sure that you don’t give the devil a foothold from which to attack you in other areas.
Third, work hard and make sure you are generous with your material possessions. We have a responsibility toward our poor neighbors. When we work hard, we are able to care for some of their needs.
Fourth, watch your speech. Make sure unwholesome words do not leave your tongue. If you do have to use “strong” words, make sure they are used to uplift the other person. Language that destroys is neither biblical nor godly language.
Fifth, don’t do anything (think specifically of your language) that would hurt or grieve the Holy Spirit.
Sixth, remove the negative. These negatives are bitterness, wrath, anger, malice, and slander.
Seventh, practice the positive. “And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32).
Follow this pattern and you will bless the church and you will strengthen your marriage.
Can we just live in this wonderful place?