Benevolent Temper

Daily Scripture Threshing for Saturday, March 29, 2025.

Today's Text: Ephesians 4:25-32

Key Verse: Ephesians 4:32 (ESV): "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

Following the death of Archbishop Tillotson, family found a bundle of libels among his papers. On each, he had written how fervently he had prayed God to forgive them (the libels) even ad he has forgiven them: a powerful illustration of the benevolent temper encouraged in today's text. We may be maliciously attacked like Tillotson but can we like him choose to pray for forgiveness for those who wronge us rather than seeking revenge or retaliation? By doing so, we are demonstrating the kind of kindness, compassion, and forgiveness that reflects the character of Christ. Unfortunately, we always seek to respond to hurtful situations in manners that match their evil, or at times try so hard to vindicate ourselves.

Paul's letter to the Ephesians encourages believers to live a life worthy of their calling, which is being kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving, just as God in Christ forgives us. This benevolent temper, the apostle reveals, is a hallmark of a Christian's character, which as followers of Christ, we are called to reflect. Our character must be marked by kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. When we exhibit a benevolent temper, we demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel in our lives. As the apostle Paul wrote, "We love because he first loved us" (1 John 4:19). So, if you ever felt like responding to someone with anger or bitterness, just remember that God calls us to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving. Let us strive to cultivate a benevolent temper, reflecting the love and mercy of our Heavenly Father.

Action Steps: Ask God to help you cultivate a benevolent temper. Practice kindness, compassion, and forgiveness in your daily interactions. Reflect on how God's love and mercy have transformed your life. Surround yourself with people who encourage and model a benevolent temper.

Quote for the Day: "A benevolent temper is the perfume of heaven, which scents the life of a Christian, making it a blessing to all around them." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)

Let Us Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, I come before You today, asking for Your help in cultivating a benevolent temper. Help me to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving, just as You in Christ forgave me. May Your love and mercy transform my life, making me a blessing to those around me — in Jesus's most glorious name. Amen.

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Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading on today's meditation, read: Matthew 5:7; Luke 6:36; and Colossians 3:12-14.

With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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