Cultivating Christlike Character
Sermon August 11, 2024 Text Ephesians 4:25-5:2 Title: Cultivating Christlike Character
Pastor Fred Okello
Today, we look at the wisdom found in Ephesians 4:25-5:2. This passage provides guidance on how to live as God's children, reflecting His love and truth in our daily lives. However, we gather here today during a period of division, disinformation, misinformation, disaffiliation, and miscommunication within our denomination. These challenges have tested our unity and strained our relationships, making it even more critical that we heed Paul's call to live out our faith in love, truth, and forgiveness.
Imagine, if you will, a mirror that not only reflects your outward appearance but also reveals the state of your heart, personality, and actions. This mirror can reveal not only where we have fallen short but also how we can better reflect Christ's image, particularly in these trying times. As we look in the mirror, we may notice our communication style. In an age of misinformation and disinformation, telling the truth, as Ephesians say in 4: 25, becomes critical. Paul encourages us to abandon falsehood and speak the truth to our neighbors, always in love. Truth without love can be harsh, while love without truth can be deceptive. We are called to embody both.
Amid division, the mirror may reveal instances when we failed to communicate truthfully or lovingly. However, as we commit to speaking truth in love, particularly during this season of healing, the reflection of Christ in us becomes clearer, restoring trust and unity within our fellowship. During times of disaffiliation and disagreement, the mirror may reflect our anger. Paul recognizes that anger is a natural response but warns us not to let it lead to sin. Anger, when not handled gracefully, can exacerbate divisions. If we let our anger drive us to be bitter or act in ways that harm our community, the mirror reveals the need for change. By managing our anger in the same way that Christ did—righteously and without sin—we allow the image of Christ's patience and understanding to emerge in our lives, creating space for reconciliation and healing.
Paul emphasizes the importance of working honestly and sharing with those in need. During this period of disaffiliation, there may have been a temptation to hold back, to protect what we have, rather than to give freely. However, the mirror invites us to reflect on Christ's hands, which worked not for selfish gain but to serve others. In this time of rebuilding and welcoming others into a loving fellowship, our honest work and generosity can be powerful witnesses. When we choose to share and serve, the image in the mirror changes, revealing Christ's heart of service and generosity through our actions.
The mirror reflects the power of our words, particularly during miscommunication. Paul advises us to avoid corrupt language and instead use our words to uplift others. In the past, our words may have caused division or misunderstanding, but we now have the opportunity to change that. As we speak words of encouragement and healing, especially during this season of restoration, the reflection in the mirror becomes more beautiful, revealing the gracious and uplifting Spirit of Christ in us. Our words can be used to promote peace and heal the wounds left by previous conflicts.
Paul reminds us that the Holy Spirit has sealed us. When we act in ways that contradict our Christian identity—when we engage in disunity, misinformation, or bitterness—we grieve the Spirit. The mirror shows us these moments not to condemn but to remind us to live by the Spirit. As we strive to honor the Spirit within us, especially during this healing time, the reflection in the mirror brightens, revealing the holiness and purity of Christ's character manifesting in our lives. This is how we recognize the Spirit's work among us and cultivate a community that reflects God's love and grace.
Our relationships are reflected in the mirror, so let go of bitterness and embrace forgiveness. Paul encourages us to let go of our bitterness and forgive others as Christ has forgiven us. Following our denomination's challenges, there may be lingering hurts and unresolved conflicts. The mirror reveals these wounds but also indicates the possibility of healing. As we forgive and let go of our bitterness, the reflection becomes more apparent, revealing Christ's forgiving heart. Forgiveness is essential for restoring broken relationships and rebuilding our fellowship on a foundation of love.
Paul encourages us to imitate God and walk in love, just as Christ loved and sacrificed for us. When we look in the mirror, we see that every act of love, every moment of selflessness, contributes to shaping our reflection to look more like Christ. This is especially important now as we seek to welcome others into a loving community. In a time of division, our commitment to walk in love—true, sacrificial love—will be the most powerful witness to those around us. This is how we best reflect Christ's image: by loving others as He loved us, even when it is difficult and requires sacrifice.
In Ephesians 4:25-5:2, Paul offers guidance on how to live as God's children. This passage is like a mirror, reflecting not only our flaws but also our ability to reflect Christ. As we emerge from a period of division, disinformation, and disaffiliation, this mirror challenges us to live in a way that promotes unity, love, and forgiveness.
Every day, we have the opportunity to stand in front of this mirror and choose to speak the truth in love, control our anger, work honestly, lift others with our words, avoid grieving the Holy Spirit, forgive as Christ forgives us, and walk in love. As we go out into the world this week, let us strive to reflect Christ's image more clearly. Let us be mirrors of His love, truth, and grace, welcoming others into a loving community where they, too, can experience the transformative power of God's love. Amen.