Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law, part 49

 

Concerning Love and the Fulfilling of the Law, part 49

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Ephesians 4:1–3

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Today’s Scripture Jigsaw

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From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

The books of all the wise are full of these principles of fairness, namely, that in everyday life we should all make many allowances for the sake of mutual order. Paul frequently teaches this here and elsewhere. Therefore, the adversaries’ argument that the term "perfection" means that love justifies does not make sense, since Paul is speaking of unity and peace. Ambrose interprets this passage: “Just as a building is said to be perfect or entire when all its parts are fitly joined together with one another.”

Pulling It Together: God is able to do far more with the Church than we could possibly imagine (Ephesians 3:20). Knowing therefore, not only what God is capable of doing but is actually accomplishing in spite of us, we are to act in a manner that corresponds to the Church that God both intends to be and is creating. We are called to be humble, gentle, patient, and charitable toward one another despite our failings. Christians should be eager to act like Christ so that there is unity and peace in the Church, without imagining that we have done some great work that justifies us to God.

Prayer: Help me to truly love, Lord, as you love your Church. Amen

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