Sermon message 16/3 by Rev John Loong. Maintain Unity Via the Right Actions – Ephesians 4:25 – 5:2

The context of this passage is of Paul advising the Ephesians what to do to maintain unity in times of conflict.

1)    Speak the truth (Eph 4:25)

Many times it is easier to run away or hide in times of conflict but avoidance does not solve the problem and only worsens it. In the midst of conflict, we should speak the truth especially as in times of conflicts, it is very tempting to distort the truth. Proverbs 12:18 - “The words of the reckless pierce like a sword but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

2)    Control your anger (Eph 4:26-27)

Note that the Bible does not say we cannot get angry. Even Jesus gets angry. In John 2:13-16, Jesus got angry when he saw that the temple of God was treated like a marketplace. There is nothing wrong with being angry especially if it has to do with righteous indignation. But Paul reminds us that in our anger, do not sin otherwise we allow the devil to have a foothold in our lives.

When you are angry, speak up with words of encouragement and healing. But sometimes in the heat of your anger, its best not to speak yet or at all. Proverbs 10:19: "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise."

Anger turns to sin when it leads you to hostility, violence, bitterness etc. Anger like fire finally dies out - but only after leaving a path of destruction.

James 1:19: " Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." Anger eats you up so deal with it as soon as you can. (Eph 4:26 : "Do not let the sun go down on your anger.")

3)    Build each other up (Eph 4:29-30)

Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouth as such talk destroys, tears down and harms others. Words that come out of your mouth should build another up, especially since emotional hurt caused by harsh words take a long time to heal.

Let your words not grieve the Holy Spirit. (v30)

4)    Be kind and forgiving (Eph 4:31-32)

Unforgiveness destroys relationships. We have to forgive and forget. Forget not in a sense that the hurt never happened but that we do not drag it out over and over again. When God has forgiven, He does not drag out our past sins to use against us! 

Forgiving is not easy but God asks us to forgive others just as He has forgiven us. Forgiving others brings benefit to others and also to ourselves as we are free from guilt and have peace in our hearts.

Conflict can make us bitter or better depending on how we deal with it. 

How do we deal with conflict?

Be authentic Christians (Eph 5:1-2) "Be imitators of God"

Walk the talk! What is our real face? In church, at home, at work, when no one else is around..are they all different? 

Sermon message 16/3 by Rev John Loong. Maintain Unity Via the Right Actions – Ephesians 4:25 – 5:2

The context of this passage is of Paul advising the Ephesians what to do to maintain unity in times of conflict.

1)    Speak the truth (Eph 4:25)

Many times it is easier to run away or hide in times of conflict but avoidance does not solve the problem and only worsens it. In the midst of conflict, we should speak the truth especially as in times of conflicts, it is very tempting to distort the truth. Proverbs 12:18 - “The words of the reckless pierce like a sword but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

2)    Control your anger (Eph 4:26-27)

Note that the Bible does not say we cannot get angry. Even Jesus gets angry. In John 2:13-16, Jesus got angry when he saw that the temple of God was treated like a marketplace. There is nothing wrong with being angry especially if it has to do with righteous indignation. But Paul reminds us that in our anger, do not sin otherwise we allow the devil to have a foothold in our lives.

When you are angry, speak up with words of encouragement and healing. But sometimes in the heat of your anger, its best not to speak yet or at all. Proverbs 10:19: "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise."

Anger turns to sin when it leads you to hostility, violence, bitterness etc. Anger like fire finally dies out - but only after leaving a path of destruction.

James 1:19: " Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." Anger eats you up so deal with it as soon as you can. (Eph 4:26 : "Do not let the sun go down on your anger.")

3)    Build each other up (Eph 4:29-30)

Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouth as such talk destroys, tears down and harms others. Words that come out of your mouth should build another up, especially since emotional hurt caused by harsh words take a long time to heal.

Let your words not grieve the Holy Spirit. (v30)

4)    Be kind and forgiving (Eph 4:31-32)

Unforgiveness destroys relationships. We have to forgive and forget. Forget not in a sense that the hurt never happened but that we do not drag it out over and over again. When God has forgiven, He does not drag out our past sins to use against us! 

Forgiving is not easy but God asks us to forgive others just as He has forgiven us. Forgiving others brings benefit to others and also to ourselves as we are free from guilt and have peace in our hearts.

Conflict can make us bitter or better depending on how we deal with it. 

How do we deal with conflict?

Be authentic Christians (Eph 5:1-2) "Be imitators of God"

Walk the talk! What is our real face? In church, at home, at work, when no one else is around..are they all different?