“Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.”
Ephesians 4:1–4 NLT
Sister, you have been called.
Not just to a ministry. Not just to motherhood, leadership, or your résumé.
You have been called to belong to God.
Your calling shows up in the everyday places of your life — the kitchen, the conference room, the carpool line, the quiet moments when no one sees. God isn’t waiting for you to finally “arrive” somewhere big before your life counts. He’s with you in the right-now, shaping your heart and using your influence in ways you may never fully see.
But let’s be honest: some days it’s hard to believe our lives matter.
When the laundry pile mocks us.
When appointments and expectations pull in ten different directions.
When someone’s criticism stings, or comparison whispers that we’re behind.
Yet God speaks a different word over you: called.
Paul reminds us to live worthy of that calling — not by striving or proving, but by reflecting Jesus in the places we already are.
-
Be humble — choose to listen instead of needing to be right.
-
Be gentle — soften your tone, even when emotions run high.
-
Be patient — give others room to grow, just like God does with you.
-
Make allowance — assume the best, release the rest.
-
Protect unity — speak peace into every room you enter.
You don’t have to do it perfectly. You don’t have to be enough on your own.
God gives His Spirit so we can live this out — one small obedient step at a time.
His grace steadies you. His peace surrounds you. His hope anchors you.
And He places you in community so you never walk alone.
So today, when you’re tempted to measure your worth by productivity, appearance, or approval, remember: you are called because He called you — not because you earned it.
Walk into your day knowing that what you do matters, because Who you reflect matters.
Today, before you respond, react, or rush… pause and whisper: “Holy Spirit, lead me.”
Which Ephesians 4 virtue will you choose to practice intentionally today?
I need more patience and not my own feeble attempts, but divine patience with those around me.
In Courage,
I need to be more gentle. Turning the volume down even when mad. Trying to be more like Jesus. God gave me my current job (hospital unit secretary). For a long time I didn’t care for it & felt like I made a bad choice. But God knew He could use me in ways I never expected. One day a woman was crying hysterically z9husban is patient) Found out her sister had died. Called for chaplain & we took her to chapel away from other patients. Stayed with her while she called people & calmed down a bit. Walked her & friend to elevator. She thanked me for being there.
Blessings 🙂
(in)courage………….To your question I respond, Make Allowance as hard as I try I always seem to feel like I haven’t done enough to feel worthy in front of God. In a Senior Living Facility, I try to help everyone who seems to be struggling with something. I always ask if I can help. That is just my nature. There are 100 people here and even though it is supposed to be Independent Living, it is definitely NOT. Over 90 % of the residents here have serious problems and there is no care of any kind here. I have seen so many people die here. By this place’s rules are, we are not allowed to help people, but I can’t see someone on the floor and not go up and see if I can do something, anything. This was a great devotion, but I must go now and get ready for church. May God Bless all of you at (in)courage as to me, you are all Angels sent to us to help us with our struggles. I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. I have no one so I will be sitting in my Apartment alone thinking of the past, so many years ago where things were joyful and happy and fun. Love………….Betsy Basile
So needed this today; feel God is sending me words of comfort. I am the sole carer for my husband and have days where I struggle to reach a mindset so I can get up and be a caring carer. Words today are so what I need to refocus. Thank you xx
I think I can grow in all areas of these virtues.