The Pulpit Commentary — Ephesians — Section 175

V. EVIL-SPEAKING. This points to the licence of speech which wounds the reputa- tion of others. It is an outrage alike upon truth and charity. VI. MALICE. This marks the rooted enmity out of which all the five forms of evil naturally spring.. It has been remarked that their genealogical relationship is manifest in the very order of their mention: "Acerbity of temper exciting passion, that passion matured into strong indignation, thu...indignation throwing itself off in indecent brawl- ing; and that brawling darkening into libel and abuse, a malicious element lyincr all the while at tbe basis of these flagrant enormities." We are commanded to put them all away. 1. They find their true place among the works of the flesh (Gal. v. 19-21). 2. They are not only inconsisteut with but opposite to the nine graces of the Spirit- Jove, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, tem;:ierance; and their indulgence in any degree by Christians has the effect of grieving the Spirit. 3. They are inconsistent with that worthy walk which belongs to the vocation with which we are called (ver. 1).-T. C. Ver. 32.-Tlie benevolent and forgiving temper. Instead of bitterness, there ought to be kindness ; instead of wrath, anger, clamour, and evil-speaking, there ought to be tender-heartedness; instead of malice, a loving and hearty forgiveness. I. KINDNESS. It is a suggestive idea that our English word "kind" is derived from kin-ned, as marking the affection of kindred. 1. ·consider how it is to be manifested. (1) By desiring one another's good (1 'l'im. ii. 1); (2) by rejoicing in one another's pros- perity (Rom. xii. 15); (3) by pitying one another's miseries (Rom. xii. 15); (4) by helping one another's necessities (1 John iii. 17, 18). 2. The motives to kindness. (1) The example of God himself, who is said to be "kind to the unthankful and evil" (Luke vi. 35) ; (2) it is a commanded duty; (3) we are brethren both in the flesh and in the spirit. A kindly spirit without a touch of censoriousness or harshness greatly recommends true religion. II. TE:t."'DER-HEA.RTEDNESS, This expression is in the original closely allied to "bowels of mercy" (Col. iii. 12). It implies a compassionate sense of the miseries and infirmities of others. It is to interpret in the best sense the injunction of the apostfo: "Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things or others" (Phil. ii. 4). The ties of nature are not cancelled by Christianity, but strengthened by it. We ought to be ready at all times to soothe the sorrows, to remove the miseries, to solve the doubts, of our neighbours. It is a. temper highly recommended in Scriptnrc (Luke vi. 36; 1 Pet. iii. 8). An unmerciful spirit is declared to be inconsistent with the love of God in the soul : "Whoso . . . shutteth his bowels of compassion . . . how dwelleth the Jove of God in him?" (1 John iii. 17). We ought to follow the example uf our heavenly Father, who is rich in mercy,and whose tender mercies o.re over all his works; and of bis dear Son Jesus Christ, who was often moved with compassion (Matt. ix. 3G), and, as the High Priest of our profession, cannot but be touched with the feeling of our infirmities (Heh. vi. 15). III. THE FORGIVING sPmIT. " Forgiving one another, even 11s God nlso in Christ for- gave you." These words imply : 1. That Christians will ofteu do to one another much that needs forgiveness. They arc" of like passions with other men," beset by infim1ities of temper, or apt to come into collision with others either in a way of opinion or of interest. Faults will be committed, offence will be given. 2. That it is II Christian duty to for- give others. Our Lord gave repented injunctions respecting it (Matt. vi. 14; Luke xvii. 4). 3. Our forgiving our brethren mu8t be a certain factor in our own prayer for Di vine forgiveness. 4. The motive or measure of our forgiveness is to be tho very forgiveness of God himself. Note: (l) It is God who for:rives; it is an act of his grace (eh. i. 7). (2) He does it in Christ, not merely for his sake, but in him as our Mediator. (3) It is a past act. Believers are forj!;iven in Christ in the very moment of their conversion. ( 4) How miserable we should be without it !-God angry with us;. hell 1~nder o_ur feet ; the very blessings of life a curse to us. (5) How happy wo are with this forgiveness! God will never condemn you nor remember your sins; all things will be blessed to you; the love of God the guarantee of your final glorification.-T. C. Vers. 1-16.-The unity of the Church. The doxology has just dicJ. away with its ascription of glory to God in the Church throughout all ages, and now the apostle. turns  li4: THE EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS. [CB, IV, 1-32.