And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
What does Ephesians 4:32 mean?
Filthy words proceed from corruption in the speaker, and they corrupt the minds and manners of those who hear them: Christians should beware of all such discourse.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside Ephesians 4:31-32 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Ephesians 4:32
And be ye kind one to another - Benignant, mild, courteous, "polite" - χρηστοι chrestoi. 1 Peter 3:8 . Christianity produces true courteousness, or politeness. It does not make one rough, crabby, or sour; nor does it dispose its followers to violate the proper rules of social contact. The secret of true politeness is "benevolence," or a desire to make others happy; and a Christian should be the most polite of people. There is no religion in a sour, misanthropic temper; none in rudeness, stiffness, and repulsiveness; none in violating the rules of good breeding. There is a hollow-hearted politeness, indeed, which the Christian is not to aim at or copy.
Key words
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And be ye kind one to another,.
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Context in Ephesians 4
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Ephesians 4 belongs to the middle movement of the book, especially the section often described as the church’s calling and gifts. Ephesians presents the church as Christ’s body and temple, chosen in grace, united across dividing walls, and called to mature holy life. Read this chapter with the wider themes of union with Christ, church, and grace in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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Bible verses about forgiveness
A reading list on divine pardon, repentance, reconciliation, and the demand to forgive others because God has first forgiven.
Passages on compassion, tender-heartedness, the kindness of God, and practical instructions to show kindness to others.
Key passages on God's unmerited favour, the grace of Christ, salvation by grace through faith, and how grace transforms the way believers live.