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This November, join in an exploration of spiritual friendships, a discipline of our faith. We practice our faith regularly and seek to equip the community faith for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.  This month we will be looking at how we can be present to one another and help each other grow spiritually.   

You are invited this week to practice this habit by contemplating the following Scripture reading: Ephesians 4:25-32, from The Message paraphrase. 

Take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces good character in you. What this adds up to, then, is this: no more lies, no more pretense. Tell your neighbor the truth. In Christ’s body we’re all connected to each other, after all. When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself. 

Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry—but don’t use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don’t stay angry. Don’t go to bed angry. Don’t give evil that kind of foothold in your life. Did you use to make ends meet by stealing? Well, no more! Get an honest job so that you can help others who can’t work. Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift. 

Don’t grieve God. Don’t break your Creator’s heart. The Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don’t take such a gift for granted. Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you. 

 

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