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Mildness—An Essential Christian QualityThe Watchtower—2003 | April 1
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Mildness—An Essential Christian Quality
“Clothe yourselves with . . . mildness.”—COLOSSIANS 3:12.
1. What makes mildness a remarkable quality?
WHEN the weather is mild, it is agreeable, enjoyable. When a person is mild, or mild-mannered, as we may say, it is a pleasure to be with him. Yet, “a mild tongue itself can break a bone,” observed wise King Solomon. (Proverbs 25:15) Mildness is a remarkable quality that combines pleasantness with power.
2, 3. What connection is there between mildness and holy spirit, and what will we consider in this article?
2 The apostle Paul included mildness in his list of “the fruitage of the spirit,” found at Galatians 5:22, 23. The Greek word that is translated “mildness” in Ga 5 verse 23 in the New World Translation is often rendered “meekness” or “gentleness” in other versions of the Bible. The fact is that it is difficult to find an exact equivalent for this Greek word in most other languages because the original term describes, not outward gentleness or meekness, but inward mildness and graciousness; not the manner of one’s behavior, but the condition of one’s mind and heart.
3 To help us appreciate more fully the meaning and value of mildness, let us consider four Bible examples. (Romans 15:4) Doing so, we will learn not only what this quality is but also how it can be acquired and manifested in all our dealings.
“Of Great Value in the Eyes of God”
4. How do we know that Jehovah values mildness?
4 Since mildness is a part of the fruitage of God’s spirit, it is logical that we should find it to be closely associated with God’s marvelous personality. The apostle Peter wrote that a “quiet and mild spirit” is “of great value in the eyes of God.” (1 Peter 3:4) Indeed, mildness is a godly trait; Jehovah values it highly. Certainly, this in itself is reason enough for all of God’s servants to cultivate mildness. How, though, does the almighty God, the highest Authority in the universe, show mildness?
5. Because of Jehovah’s mildness, what prospect do we have?
5 When the first human pair, Adam and Eve, disobeyed God’s clear command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and bad, they did so deliberately. (Genesis 2:16, 17) That willful act of disobedience resulted in sin, death, and alienation from God for them and their future offspring. (Romans 5:12) Even though Jehovah was fully justified in rendering that judgment, he did not harshly write off the human family as totally incorrigible and unredeemable. (Psalm 130:3) Rather, out of his graciousness and his willingness not to be exacting or demanding—expressions of mildness—Jehovah provided the means through which sinful mankind can come to him and gain his favor. Yes, by means of the gift of the ransom sacrifice of his Son, Jesus Christ, Jehovah makes it possible for us to approach his lofty throne without fear or dread.—Romans 6:23; Hebrews 4:14-16; 1 John 4:9, 10, 18.
6. How was mildness evident in God’s dealings with Cain?
6 Long before Jesus came to earth, Jehovah’s mildness was manifested when Cain and Abel, Adam’s sons, presented sacrifices to God. Discerning their heart condition, Jehovah rejected Cain’s offering but ‘looked with favor’ upon Abel and his offering. God’s benevolent view of faithful Abel and his sacrifice prompted an adverse reaction on the part of Cain. “Cain grew hot with great anger, and his countenance began to fall,” says the Bible account. How did Jehovah react? Was he offended by Cain’s bad attitude? No. Mildly, he asked Cain why he was so angry. Jehovah even explained what Cain could do to gain “an exaltation.” (Genesis 4:3-7) Truly, Jehovah is the embodiment of mildness.—Exodus 34:6.
Mildness Attracts and Refreshes
7, 8. (a) How can we come to appreciate Jehovah’s mildness? (b) What do the words of Matthew 11:27-29 reveal about Jehovah and Jesus?
7 One of the best ways to appreciate Jehovah’s matchless qualities is to study the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. (John 1:18; 14:6-9) While in Galilee during the second year of his preaching campaign, Jesus performed many powerful works in Chorazin, Bethsaida, Capernaum, and the area round about. Yet, most of the people were proud and indifferent, and they refused to believe. How did Jesus react? While he firmly reminded them of the consequences of their faithlessness, he was moved with pity by the miserable spiritual condition of the ʽam ha·ʼaʹrets, the lowly, ordinary folk among them.—Matthew 9:35, 36; 11:20-24.
8 Jesus’ subsequent actions showed that he did “fully know the Father” and imitated him. To the common people, Jesus extended this warm invitation: “Come to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for your souls.” How those words brought comfort and refreshment to those who were downtrodden and oppressed! They even have appeal for us today. If we sincerely clothe ourselves with mildness, then we will be among those “to whom the Son is willing to reveal” his Father.—Matthew 11:27-29.
9. What quality is linked with mildness, and how is Jesus a fine example in this regard?
9 Closely linked with mildness is humility, being “lowly in heart.” Pride, on the other hand, leads to self-exaltation and may often cause one to treat others in a harsh and callous way. (Proverbs 16:18, 19) Jesus demonstrated humility throughout his earthly ministry. Even when he rode into Jerusalem six days before his death and was hailed as King of the Jews, Jesus differed greatly from rulers of the world. He fulfilled Zechariah’s Messianic prophecy: “Look! Your King is coming to you, mild-tempered, and mounted upon an ass, yes, upon a colt, the offspring of a beast of burden.” (Matthew 21:5; Zechariah 9:9) The faithful prophet Daniel saw a vision in which Jehovah delegated ruling authority to his Son. Yet, in an earlier prophecy, he described Jesus as “the lowliest one of mankind.” Mildness and humility do indeed go hand in hand.—Daniel 4:17; 7:13, 14.
10. Why does Christian mildness not imply weakness?
10 The delightful mildness displayed by Jehovah and Jesus helps us draw close to them. (James 4:8) Of course, mildness does not imply weakness. Far from it! Jehovah, the almighty God, displays an abundance of dynamic energy and power. His anger blazes against unrighteousness. (Isaiah 30:27; 40:26) Jesus likewise showed a firm resolve not to compromise, even when under assault from Satan the Devil. He refused to tolerate the illicit commercial practices of the religious leaders of his day. (Matthew 4:1-11; 21:12, 13; John 2:13-17) Yet, he maintained mildness of temper when dealing with the shortcomings of his disciples, and he patiently bore their weaknesses. (Matthew 20:20-28) One Bible scholar aptly described mildness this way: “Behind the gentleness there is the strength of steel.” May we display this Christlike quality—mildness.
Most Mild-Tempered of His Day
11, 12. In view of his upbringing, what made Moses’ mildness outstanding?
11 The third example we will consider is that of Moses. The Bible describes him as “the most mild-tempered of all the men who were upon the surface of the ground.” (Numbers 12:3, footnote) This description was penned under divine inspiration. Moses’ outstanding mildness made him receptive to Jehovah’s direction.
12 Moses’ upbringing was unusual. Jehovah ensured that this son of faithful Hebrew parents was preserved alive during a time of treachery and murder. Moses spent his early years in the care of his mother, who carefully taught him about the true God, Jehovah. Later, Moses was taken from his home to live in surroundings that could hardly have been more different. “Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians,” recounted the early Christian martyr Stephen. “In fact, [Moses] was powerful in his words and deeds.” (Acts 7:22) His faith came to the fore when he observed the injustices heaped on his brothers by Pharaoh’s slave masters. For killing an Egyptian whom he saw striking a Hebrew, Moses had to flee from Egypt to the land of Midian.—Exodus 1:15, 16; 2:1-15; Hebrews 11:24, 25.
13. What effect did Moses’ 40-year sojourn in Midian have on him?
13 At age 40, Moses had to fend for himself in a wilderness. In Midian he met Reuel’s seven daughters and helped them draw water for their father’s large flock. On returning home the young women delightedly explained to Reuel that “a certain Egyptian” had delivered them from the shepherds causing them trouble. At Reuel’s invitation, Moses resided with the family. The adversities that he had suffered did not leave him bitter; nor did they prevent him from learning to adjust his life-style to his new surroundings. His desire to do Jehovah’s will never wavered. Through 40 long years, during which he cared for Reuel’s sheep, married Zipporah, and brought up his sons, Moses developed and honed the quality that came to characterize him. Yes, through adversity, Moses learned mildness.—Exodus 2:16-22; Acts 7:29, 30.
14. Describe an incident during Moses’ leadership of Israel that demonstrated his mildness.
14 After Jehovah appointed him leader of the nation of Israel, Moses’ quality of mildness was still in evidence. A young man reported to Moses that Eldad and Medad were acting as prophets in the camp—even though they were not present when Jehovah poured out his spirit upon the 70 older men who were to serve as Moses’ helpers. Joshua declared: “My lord Moses, restrain them!” Moses mildly replied: “Are you feeling jealous for me? No, I wish that all of Jehovah’s people were prophets, because Jehovah would put his spirit upon them!” (Numbers 11:26-29) Mildness helped defuse that tense situation.
15. Though Moses was imperfect, why is his example one to follow?
15 On one occasion Moses’ mildness seems to have failed him. At Meribah, near Kadesh, he neglected to direct glory to Jehovah, the Miracle Worker. (Numbers 20:1, 9-13) Though Moses was imperfect, his unwavering faith supported him throughout his life, and his outstanding mildness appeals to us even today.—Hebrews 11:23-28.
Harshness Versus Mildness
16, 17. What warning do we draw from the account of Nabal and Abigail?
16 A warning example comes from the time of David, shortly after the death of God’s prophet Samuel. It involves a married couple, Nabal and his wife, Abigail. What a contrast there was between these two! While Abigail was “good in discretion,” her husband was “harsh and bad in his practices.” Nabal rudely refused a request for refreshment from David’s men, who had helped to guard Nabal’s large flocks from thieves. Righteously indignant, David and a band of his men girded on their swords and set off to confront Nabal.—1 Samuel 25:2-13.
17 When word of what had happened reached Abigail, she quickly prepared bread, wine, meat, and cakes of raisins and figs and went out to meet David. “Upon me myself, O my lord, be the error,” she beseeched him. “Please, let your slave girl speak in your ears, and listen to the words of your slave girl.” David’s heart softened at Abigail’s mild entreaty. After listening to Abigail’s explanation, David declared: “Blessed be Jehovah the God of Israel, who has sent you this day to meet me! And blessed be your sensibleness, and blessed be you who have restrained me this day from entering into bloodguilt.” (1 Samuel 25:18, 24, 32, 33) Nabal’s harshness ultimately led to his death. Abigail’s fine qualities eventually brought her the joy of becoming David’s wife. Her mildness sets a pattern for all who serve Jehovah today.—1 Samuel 25:36-42.
Pursue Mildness
18, 19. (a) What changes become apparent as we clothe ourselves with mildness? (b) What can help us make an effective self-examination?
18 Mildness, then, is a must. It is more than mere gentleness of manner; it is an appealing quality of temperament that refreshes others. In the past, we might have been accustomed to speaking harshly and acting unkindly. Upon learning Bible truth, however, we changed and became more pleasant and agreeable. Paul spoke of this change when he urged fellow Christians: “Clothe yourselves with the tender affections of compassion, kindness, lowliness of mind, mildness, and long-suffering.” (Colossians 3:12) The Bible likens this transformation to the change of vicious wild beasts—wolf, leopard, lion, bear, and cobra—to peaceful domestic animals—lamb, kid, calf, and cow. (Isaiah 11:6-9; 65:25) So outstanding are such personality changes that observers marvel. We, though, attribute this transformation to the operation of God’s spirit, for included in its truly remarkable fruitage is mildness.
19 Does this mean that once we have made the needed changes and dedicated ourselves to Jehovah, we no longer need to work at being mild of temper? Hardly. Why, new clothes need constant care to keep them looking clean and presentable. Peering into God’s Word and meditating on the examples it contains help us to take a fresh and objective look at ourselves. What does the mirror of the inspired Word of God reveal about you?—James 1:23-25.
20. How can we succeed in displaying mildness?
20 By nature, temperaments differ. Some of God’s servants find it easier to manifest mildness than do others. Nonetheless, all Christians need to cultivate the fruitage of God’s spirit, including mildness. Paul lovingly admonished Timothy: “Pursue righteousness, godly devotion, faith, love, endurance, mildness of temper.” (1 Timothy 6:11) The word “pursue” implies that effort is needed. One Bible translation renders this exhortation ‘set your heart on.’ (New Testament in Modern English, by J. B. Phillips) If you make the effort to meditate on the fine examples from God’s Word, they can become a part of you, just like an implant. They will mold and guide you.—James 1:21.
21. (a) Why should we pursue mildness? (b) What will be discussed in our next article?
21 The way we conduct ourselves toward others demonstrates how well we are doing in this regard. “Who is wise and understanding among you?” asks the disciple James. “Let him show out of his fine conduct his works with a mildness that belongs to wisdom.” (James 3:13) How can we display this Christian quality at home, in the Christian ministry, and in the congregation? The following article presents helpful guidance.
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Exhibit “All Mildness Toward All Men”The Watchtower—2003 | April 1
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Exhibit “All Mildness Toward All Men”
“Continue reminding them . . . to be reasonable, exhibiting all mildness toward all men.”—TITUS 3:1, 2.
1. Why is it not always easy to display mildness?
“BECOME imitators of me,” wrote the apostle Paul, “even as I am of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1) All of God’s servants today try hard to heed this admonition. Admittedly, it is not easy, for we have inherited from our first human parents selfish desires and temperaments that do not conform to Christ’s example. (Romans 3:23; 7:21-25) Nevertheless, when it comes to displaying mildness, all of us can succeed if we put forth the effort. But relying on sheer willpower is not enough. What more is needed?
2. How can we exhibit “all mildness toward all men”?
2 Godly mildness is part of the fruitage of the holy spirit. The more we yield to the leadings of God’s active force, the more its fruitage will be apparent. Then, and only then, will we be able to exhibit “all mildness” toward everyone. (Titus 3:2) Let us examine how we can imitate Jesus’ example and enable those who come in contact with us to “find refreshment.”—Matthew 11:29; Galatians 5:22, 23.
In the Family
3. What family situation reflects the world’s spirit?
3 One area where mildness is essential is within the family. The World Health Organization estimates that family violence poses a greater risk to the health of women than traffic accidents and malaria combined. In London, England, for example, a quarter of all reported violent crime is domestic. The police frequently encounter people who vent their feelings with “screaming and abusive speech.” Worse still, some couples have allowed “malicious bitterness” to affect their relationship. All of this is a sad reflection of “the spirit of the world” and as such has no place in Christian families.—Ephesians 4:31; 1 Corinthians 2:12.
4. What effect can mildness have on the family?
4 To counteract worldly tendencies, we need God’s spirit. “Where the spirit of Jehovah is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17) Love, kindness, self-control, and long-suffering strengthen the unity of imperfect husbands and wives. (Ephesians 5:33) Mildness of temper lightens the atmosphere and offers a welcome contrast to the bickering and contention that blight many families. What a person says is important, but it is the way he expresses himself that conveys the spirit behind the words. Concerns and worries expressed with mildness defuse tensions. Wise King Solomon wrote: “An answer, when mild, turns away rage, but a word causing pain makes anger to come up.”—Proverbs 15:1.
5. How can mildness help in a religiously divided home?
5 Mildness is especially important in a religiously divided home. Coupled with kindly deeds, it can help to win over to Jehovah those who are not favorably disposed. Peter counseled Christian wives: “Be in subjection to your own husbands, in order that, if any are not obedient to the word, they may be won without a word through the conduct of their wives, because of having been eyewitnesses of your chaste conduct together with deep respect. And do not let your adornment be that of the external braiding of the hair and of the putting on of gold ornaments or the wearing of outer garments, but let it be the secret person of the heart in the incorruptible apparel of the quiet and mild spirit, which is of great value in the eyes of God.”—1 Peter 3:1-4.
6. How can displaying mildness strengthen the bonds between parents and children?
6 The relationship between parents and children can be strained, especially when love for Jehovah is lacking. But in all Christian households, there is a need for exhibiting mildness. Paul counseled fathers: “Do not be irritating your children, but go on bringing them up in the discipline and mental-regulating of Jehovah.” (Ephesians 6:4) When mildness prevails in a family, close bonds between parents and children are strengthened. Dean, one of five children, reminisced about his father: “Dad was mild-tempered. I don’t ever remember having an argument with him—even when I was a teenager. He was always very mild, even when he was upset. Sometimes he sent me to my room or took some privileges away, but we never argued. He was not just our father. He was also our friend, and we didn’t want to let him down.” Mildness truly helps reinforce the bonds between parents and children.
In Our Ministry
7, 8. Why is manifesting mildness in the field ministry vital?
7 Another area where mildness is important is in the field ministry. As we share the Kingdom good news with others, we meet people with different dispositions. Some gladly listen to the message of hope we bring. Others, for a variety of reasons, may react unfavorably. It is here that the quality of mildness is of great help to us in fulfilling our commission to be witnesses to the most distant part of the earth.—Acts 1:8; 2 Timothy 4:5.
8 The apostle Peter wrote: “Sanctify the Christ as Lord in your hearts, always ready to make a defense before everyone that demands of you a reason for the hope in you, but doing so together with a mild temper and deep respect.” (1 Peter 3:15) Because we hold Christ in our hearts as our Exemplar, we take care to manifest both mildness and respect when witnessing to those who speak harshly. This course of conduct often produces remarkable results.
9, 10. Relate an experience to show the value of mildness in the field ministry.
9 When his wife answered a knock on the door of their apartment, Keith remained in the background. On learning that their visitor was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Keith’s wife angrily accused the Witnesses of cruelty to children. The brother remained calm. Mildly, he responded: “I am sorry you feel that way. May I please show you what Jehovah’s Witnesses believe?” Keith had been listening to the conversation and now came to the door to terminate the brother’s visit.
10 Later, the couple began to feel regret that they had treated their visitor in a harsh way. His mild manner had touched them. To their surprise, a week later the brother returned, and Keith and his wife let him explain the Scriptural basis for what he believed. “Over the next two years, we listened a lot to what other Witnesses said,” they later observed. They agreed to a Bible study, and eventually both were baptized in symbol of their dedication to Jehovah. How rewarding for that Witness who first called on Keith and his wife! The Witness met the couple years later and found that they were now his spiritual brother and sister. Mildness succeeds.
11. In what way can mildness pave the way for someone to accept Christian truth?
11 Harold’s experiences as a soldier caused him to become bitter and to doubt God’s existence. Compounding his problems, a traffic accident caused by a drunk driver left Harold permanently disabled. When Jehovah’s Witnesses called at his home, Harold demanded that they stop visiting him. But one day, a Witness named Bill set out to visit an interested person who lived just two doors away from Harold. By mistake, Bill knocked at Harold’s door. When Harold, supporting himself on two canes, opened the door, Bill immediately apologized, explaining that he had intended to visit a home nearby. How did Harold react? Unknown to Bill, Harold had seen a television news item featuring the Witnesses working together to build a new Kingdom Hall in a very short time. Impressed by seeing so many people working unitedly, he had changed his attitude toward the Witnesses. Touched by Bill’s kindly apology and his appealing, mild manner, Harold decided to accept visits from the Witnesses. He studied the Bible, made progress, and became a baptized servant of Jehovah.
In the Congregation
12. What worldly traits should members of the Christian congregation resist?
12 A third area where mildness is vital is in the Christian congregation. Confrontation is commonplace in today’s society. Debates, arguments, and wrangling are the norm among those who look at life in a fleshly way. Occasionally, such worldly traits creep into the Christian congregation and manifest themselves in contentions and fights with words. Responsible brothers are saddened when they have to deal with these situations. Nevertheless, love for Jehovah and for their brothers prompts them to try to win back the erring ones.—Galatians 5:25, 26.
13, 14. What can be the result of “instructing with mildness those not favorably disposed”?
13 In the first century, Paul and his companion Timothy encountered difficulties from some within the congregation. Paul warned Timothy to be on guard against brothers who resembled vessels for “a purpose lacking honor.” “A slave of the Lord does not need to fight,” Paul reasoned, “but needs to be gentle toward all, qualified to teach, keeping himself restrained under evil, instructing with mildness those not favorably disposed.” When we maintain a mild temper even under provocation, dissenters are often moved to reassess their criticisms. In turn, Jehovah may, as Paul further writes, “give them repentance leading to an accurate knowledge of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:20, 21, 24, 25) Notice that Paul links gentleness and restraint with mildness.
14 Paul practiced what he preached. When dealing with the “superfine apostles” in the Corinthian congregation, he urged the brothers: “Now I myself, Paul, entreat you by the mildness and kindness of the Christ, lowly though I am in appearance among you, whereas when absent I am bold toward you.” (2 Corinthians 10:1; 11:5) Paul truly did imitate Christ. Note that he made his appeal to these brothers “by the mildness” of the Christ. He thus avoided an overbearing, dictatorial attitude. His exhortation no doubt appealed to those in the congregation who had responsive hearts. He smoothed over strained relations and laid the basis for peace and unity in the congregation. Is this not a course of action that all of us can strive to imitate? Elders especially need to pattern their actions on those of Christ and Paul.
15. Why is mildness important when giving counsel?
15 The responsibility to help others is certainly not limited to times when the congregation’s peace and unity are threatened. Long before strained relations occur, brothers need loving guidance. “Brothers, even though a man takes some false step before he is aware of it, you who have spiritual qualifications try to readjust such a man,” urged Paul. But how? “In a spirit of mildness, as you each keep an eye on yourself, for fear you also may be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1) Maintaining “a spirit of mildness” is not always easy, especially because all Christians, including appointed men, are subject to sinful tendencies. Nevertheless, it is mildness that will help make the erring one’s readjustment bearable.
16, 17. What may help counteract any reluctance to apply counsel?
16 In the original Greek, the word translated “readjust” can also refer to the realignment or setting of broken bones, a painful procedure. The reassuring doctor who sets a broken bone speaks positively of the benefits of the procedure. His calm manner is comforting. A few words in advance help soothe the worst of the discomfort. Likewise, a spiritual readjustment may be painful. But mildness will help make it more acceptable, thus restoring pleasant relations and paving the way for the erring one to change his course. Even when there is initial resistance to counsel, mildness on the part of the one who offers help may break down any reluctance to follow sound Scriptural advice.—Proverbs 25:15.
17 When helping others to readjust, there is always the danger that the counsel may be construed as criticism. One writer puts it this way: “Never are we in greater peril of undue self-assertion, and therefore in greater need of meekness, than in reproving others.” Cultivating mildness that springs from humility will help the Christian counselor to avoid this danger.
“Toward All Men”
18, 19. (a) Why may Christians find it difficult to exhibit mildness in dealing with secular authorities? (b) What will help Christians exhibit mildness toward those in authority, and with what possible result?
18 One area where many find it difficult to exhibit mildness is in dealing with secular authorities. Admittedly, the way some in authority act betrays harshness and a lack of fellow feeling. (Ecclesiastes 4:1; 8:9) However, our love for Jehovah will help us recognize his supreme authority and give governmental authorities the relative subjection that they are due. (Romans 13:1, 4; 1 Timothy 2:1, 2) Even when those in high station seek to limit the public expression of our worship of Jehovah, we gladly look for ways that are still open to offer our sacrifice of praise.—Hebrews 13:15.
19 Under no circumstances do we resort to belligerence. We strive to be reasonable while never compromising righteous principles. In this way, our brothers succeed in pursuing their ministry in 234 lands around the world. We heed Paul’s counsel to “be in subjection and be obedient to governments and authorities as rulers, to be ready for every good work, to speak injuriously of no one, not to be belligerent, to be reasonable, exhibiting all mildness toward all men.”—Titus 3:1, 2.
20. What rewards are there for those who exhibit mildness?
20 Abundant blessings are in store for all who exhibit mildness. “Happy are the mild-tempered ones,” Jesus declared, “since they will inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5) For Christ’s spirit-anointed brothers, maintaining mildness ensures their happiness and the privilege of ruling over the earthly domain of the Kingdom. As for the “great crowd” of “other sheep,” they continue to manifest mildness and look forward to life in Paradise here on earth. (Revelation 7:9; John 10:16; Psalm 37:11) What wonderful prospects lie ahead! Let us, then, never neglect the reminder Paul gave to the Christians in Ephesus: “I, therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, entreat you to walk worthily of the calling with which you were called, with complete lowliness of mind and mildness.”—Ephesians 4:1, 2.
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