Eagerness is a word that fascinated me just a few days ago. In Ephesians chapter 4 we read a series of verses that lead into the use of the word, eager. Ephesians chapter 4 verses 1-3 read like this, “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” This is wonderful, and if we skip to the end of this section in Paul’s letter we will read how as a united body working properly we will be built up in love.

But the word eager… It is describing a strong desire that will cultivate in a person if the prior verses are true in there life. When a person is humble, gentle, and patient they are able to bear with one another in love. That is the outcome of an attitude of humility, gentleness, and patience. Then, from these attitudes spring an eagerness to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. This is a simple message, but the reality of living this way is very difficult.

In my own life I find my attitude the exact opposite at times. Where instead of living a humble, gentle, and patient life I tend to rationalize and quickly act on my emotions or feelings toward the church, friends, or family. This is not good and I am learning more and more that the correct response to my emotions or feelings toward a person are often times more affectively sorted out through an attitude of patience, gentleness, and humility in waiting and bearing with them in love!

Bearing is a word that I want to describe from the classic chapter of love in the Bible, 1st Corinthians 12. In verse 7 it says, “love bears all things” this could very well mean love puts up with all things, and does not irrationally act on all things. It is important to note that this is not the only type of love as we are not to be passive in our relationships, especially if there is a sin issue that needs to be confronted.  So, in Eph 4 we read Paul writing “bear with one another in love.” I am looking at this word, “bear” in the same way as 1 Cor 12, looking past the issues and simply loving the person because of how much God loves them and desires them to be with Him. Trust that God can change the heart of a person as you faithfully follow Him and Him alone.

I’ve recently moved and have been reminded of this as I meet many new people and have many expectations of the community, friendships, and roles I want to see in the lives of those around me… This is rarely the right way of thinking. We are to bear with one another in love and eagerly maintain the unity of the spirit amongst the people in our lives, trusting that God is at work, not us. I hope that from this you can start to see the importance of these attitudes and the result of living in this manner.