2022_11_28 Insight Post- Kim Feld

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! It’s hard to believe that we are now heading quickly toward Christmas.

As we wrap up Ephesians this week, it didn’t take long for me to feel deep conviction over Paul’s words. He gives several practical application points in chapters 5 – 6. I camped out with the first few verses for a couple of days. First, he tells us to follow God’s example and “walk in the way of love.” Just as a child imitates their parents’ behavior, we are to be imitators of God. I believe the Amplified Bible helps flesh this out for us:

“Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]; ² and walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.” (Ephesians 5:1-2)

What would our world be like if we genuinely valued each other, practiced empathy and compassion, and unselfishly sought the best for others? Paul introduces this to the Ephesian believers as normative for Christ-followers and something they should do continually. As I pondered these verses, I asked myself some uncomfortable questions. Let’s dive in.

Let’s begin with “value one another.” Another word for value is esteem. If we esteem each other, we see the intrinsic worth and don’t see ourselves as better than others. We have high regard for the feelings and well-being of those we esteem. Is there anyone in my life that I feel superior to? Thinking back over my day yesterday, was there anyone I did not esteem with my words or actions?

Empathy and compassion are often used together, but they don’t mean the same thing. Empathy is the ability to share in someone’s feelings. At the same time, compassion adds the desire to remove the suffering or pain someone is experiencing. Practicing empathy and compassion is to come alongside someone with a desire to help. To be completely honest, this one is a little overwhelming to me. I interact with a lot of people daily, many of whom are in a crisis. What is the level of my empathy and compassion tanks? Am I doing what I need to do (time in solitude, prayer, rest, and caring for myself physically) to have a full tank to care for others?

Unselfishly seeking the best for others implies that there’s nothing in it for me. It’s easy to desire the best for others when it also benefits me but being unselfish is removing “self” from the picture. Sometimes, the best for someone may not equate to the best for me. Can I remove myself and still seek the best for them? What if seeking the best for someone costs me? Am I close enough to the Holy Spirit for Him to guide my decisions?

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is so rich with an enormous amount to ponder. I pray that each of us takes the time as we read to allow Paul’s words to read us.

Kim Feld
Executive Director of Education and Outreach