READ: Ephesians 4:25–5:1
Our grandsons introduced me to the amazing world of virtual bowling using the Nintendo Wii (pronounced we) video-game console. But before beginning, we had to create my look-alike character called Mii (me). From a selection of facial characteristics, they quickly created a person whose hair, nose, glasses, and mouth looked surprisingly like me. “Hey, Grandpa,” they said. “It’s you!” And so it was.
Much of our self-concept comes from others. The feedback of family and friends is vital in helping us discover our unique gifts. As followers of Christ, we are charged with making an honest, positive contribution to each other. We can apply the words of Paul to this critical process. “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. . . . Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Eph. 4:25,29).
Between the extremes of hazardous flattery and destructive criticism, we should aim for beneficial reality in what we say to each other. In the “we” of Christian community, the “me” of personality is shaped. It’s a great privilege and responsibility to help each other discover who we are in Christ.
We bow before Thee—yielded still;
We come today, as oft before,
And with each coming love Thee more. —Group
