Christlike in Love

With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love. _{Ephesians 4:2}

When I read this verse, the image I see is Jesus – humble, gentle, patient, bearing all things and all of humanity, in love.  This is the image that God has purposed for us, and as we walk with him, we are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit ^{2 Corinthians 3:18}. We are called to be Christlike, displaying his character, which can only be done through the power of the Spirit.

Those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. To set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. ^{Romans 8:5,6}

Living according to the Spirit is to live a life that reflects love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These ‘fruits’ as they are known, convey the attitude and attributes of Christ, so in order to be Christlike, these are the things we need to practice. If you want to become good, or great, at something, you need to work at it because it doesn’t always come naturally. This is never more true than for the Christian who strives to be like Christ.

We would all agree that we are not perfect and that we need others to bear with us at times. So, we need to practice being patient, meek, kind and gentle, for they build in us a strength of character; a strength that comes from God. God is love, and these characteristics, which Jesus himself displayed, start from a place of genuine love. Love holds everything together and gives it substance, for it is beautiful and true and pure.

When we walk in humility, fully acknowledging our own failings, we can bear with one another in love, patience and gentleness.