Here’s a brief background of what’s happening in Ephesians chapter 4:

• Ephesians 4:1-3, Paul begins to explain that we need to walk in a way that is worthy of our calling in Christ.
• Ephesians 4:4-6 is a call to unity and love.
• Ephesians 4:7-16, we are told that Christ has equipped us to be able to build ourselves up in our faith and to become mature in Christ-likeness – speaking the truth in love.
• Ephesians 4:17-19, Paul explains that we should avoid walking the way unbelievers walk (Romans 12:2). There is a struggle between the straight path and the crooked path (Galatians 5:16-17).

Ephesians chapter five shows us three ways to walk as disciples of Christ.

• Walk in love, as dear children following God (Ephesians 5:1-2).
• Walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8-10 cp. I John 1:5 – 2:3).
• Walk circumspectly (carefully, looking all around – walk with accuracy and precision – Ephesians 5:15-18). No sleep-walking (Ephesians 5:14 cp. Romans 13:11-14).

Let’s focus on how we should walk in love and see where thankfulness plays a part.

Love is Christ-like (Ephesians 5:1-2)
Christ taught us to be converted and become like a little child, in order to be a true citizen of the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:1-4). Christ showed us love by sacrificially giving Himself to God for us (John 15:12-13).

Love is Cleansing (Ephesians 5:3-4)
True love has a purifying effect (I Corinthians 13:4-8a). Love for God and love for others finds the strength to do what’s right (I John 5:1-3).

Love is Careful to be Thankful (Ephesians 5:4)
In the effort to purge ourselves of inappropriate thoughts and deeds, we should see thankfulness as a positive force that will cleanse our hearts. Giving thanks is not just what you do after you remove the negative things from your life.

• Ephesians 5:18-21. If you want to be filled with the Spirit, you need to occupy yourself with careful, thoughtful giving of thanks to God. Note verse 20.


• Colossians 2:1-7. Love and truth is what will unite God’s children. We receive Christ by faith. Faith is the only way we can accomplish our spiritual walk. As you are walking in the Lord, your faith is built up by the understanding of truth while you are abounding with thanksgiving. Are you grateful for the truth?


• Philippians 4:1-7. Paul lovingly encourages them to be steadfast (vs. 1). Two precious ladies, great workers for Christ, were having a problem that they couldn’t resolve. Paul asked the church to help them (vs. 2-3). The very next prescription Paul gave was to get themselves happy in the Lord (vs. 4). The need to be gentle with each other was paramount (vs. 5). Anxiety and frustration must be relieved with comprehensive prayer that is saturated with a thankful spirit (vs. 6-7). If you don’t know what to be thankful about, perhaps you can find something in Philippians 4:8.

A gentle spirit is evidence of a thankful heart!