thinking bible.

You asked

what practical steps can we take to 'bear with one another in love' in a polarized world?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Ephesians 4:2-3

with all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love; being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

This passage is from the apostle Paul's letter to the Christians in Ephesus, a bustling Roman city in modern-day Turkey, likely written in the mid-1st century CE. He's encouraging them to live out the unity they share in Christ, specifically by adopting certain attitudes and behaviors towards each other.

What personal attitude or action might help create even a small 'bond of peace' in a relationship or community where there is tension?

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

  • Colossians 3:12-14

    This passage also calls for compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, culminating in love as the perfect bond.

  • Philippians 2:3-4

    It advises doing nothing from selfish ambition, but in humility counting others more significant than yourselves.

  • Romans 12:18

    This verse encourages living peaceably with all people, as far as it depends on you.

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