The world has not been perfect since Genesis chapter three, but boy, howdy, it sure seems to be a mess right now. And I’m not talking about politics; I’m talking about people’s attitudes in general. Feelings of bitterness and unforgiveness fill social media outlets every day. I know we need to keep up with what’s happening in the world, but when we read or listen to the news, it leaves us shaking our heads.

Some of these same things were happening two thousand years ago, so how did Paul tell the Christians to respond? He told the church at Ephesus to be humble, gentle, patient, and loving. Make every effort to keep unity and peace. In Ephesians 4:14-15, he got rather bold when he told them to grow up and quit acting like children. The church can never be effective if it is not built on the foundation of love and peace, with every person doing their part.

Paul drew a comparison between the Christians and the Gentiles. The Gentiles had reached a place of insensitivity to the extent that they indulged in all kinds of impurity, with hearts full of greed. This lifestyle is the result of a mind that has become darkened due to a hard heart. He says plainly in verse 20 that Christians are not supposed to live like that. Put away who you used to be, get rid of deceitful desires, bitterness, rage, anger, and slander. Get a new attitude of righteousness and holiness; be like God created you to be. If the things you see make you angry, don’t sin in your anger, and don’t go to bed mad. Get it straightened out so you can have a good night’s sleep.

I pray we will all show kindness to a world in turmoil and that God will send someone along who will remind us to do better when we mess up.