#1462. Treat others as God has treated you (27/2/26)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted, at present, every weekday) as we continue our Ephesians series: Ephesians - To the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God.

From Ephesians 4:32, let’s learn to treat others as God treats us. 

To watch this devotional, please select the link below:

1. Pride and self righteousness are a real and present danger

How do we treat people who have come to faith from very messy backgrounds? Let’s never forget that all of us — equally — need Jesus’ forgiveness. Even those who have lived very respectable lives in the world’s opinion are just as dependent on grace.

The danger begins when we imagine that, for whatever reason, we needed less forgiveness — or that we are somehow preferred by God because of our performance. That mindset quietly breeds pride and creates tension in a church.

Grace levels the ground completely.

2. Very different people have the same need

This verse reminds me of the occasion when Jesus was invited to a meal at the home of Simon the Pharisee. During the meal, a woman known for her sinful life entered with a jar of perfume. Weeping, she washed Jesus’ feet with her tears, wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and poured perfume on them.

Simon silently judged her and questioned Jesus’ discernment. In response, Jesus told a parable about two debtors who were forgiven unequal debts, teaching that the one forgiven more loves more.

Jesus said:

The implication is searching. Simon — the respected and outwardly moral man — needed just as much forgiveness as the woman. But he did not see it. And because he did not see his need, he did not overflow with love.

Both sat at the same table. Both needed mercy. Only one rejoiced in it.

3. Forgiveness is ‘in Christ’

Our text reminds us that God forgives only ‘in Christ.’ This is crucial. Forgiveness is grounded in the cross - Christ dying in our place for our sin.

Simon believed his performance secured his acceptance before God. But Scripture makes it clear:

If righteousness could be earned, the cross would be unnecessary. But it cannot be earned - which means all of us stand before God on exactly the same basis: grace alone, in Christ alone.

Response

Are we more like Simon, or like the thankful woman?

This verse assumes that relationships will require forgiveness. In fact, if we never encounter situations that demand patience and grace, does that not suggest we are avoiding the kind of close fellowship the church is meant to model?

The command is clear: when - not if - forgiveness is required, we are to forgive as God in Christ has forgiven us.

May we be marked by kindness, compassion, and the forgiveness that reflects the astonishing grace we ourselves have received in Christ. 

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

2. Icebreaker

Something that builds relationships and confidence to share; it’s good to regularly use this moment to ask the group: How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a healthy balance between discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

On Sunday we continued our series:

Ephesians: To the Praise, for the Purpose, in the Power of God

From Ephesians 4:25–32, the message was:

‘Let’s put on the things of the Holy Spirit rather than the devil so as to enjoy healthy relationships.’

Please read Ephesians 4:25–32 together before discussing.

1. Personal Reflection

• From Sunday’s message and this passage, what stood out to you? Was there anything the Holy Spirit particularly impressed on your heart? Is there an area where you sense God calling you to change?

2. v.25 – Put on Truth, Not Falsehood

• Why do you think truthfulness comes first in this list?

• How does dishonesty damage relationships and church unity?

• In what subtle ways might we struggle with truthfulness (exaggeration, concealment, image management)?

3. v.26–27 – Put on Peace-Making, Not Bitterness

• Paul says unresolved anger can ‘give the devil a foothold.’ Why?

• What does it look like to deal with anger in a healthy, godly way?

4. v.28 – Put on Usefulness and Generosity

• What does this verse teach about work, productivity, and purpose?

• How does usefulness connect to generosity?

• Are we being wasteful with our time, energy, or gifts - or intentional and fruitful?

• How might God be prompting us to grow in generosity?

5. v.29–32 – Put on Speech that Builds

• Where do we most struggle in the area of speech? (tone, criticism, gossip, harshness, social media, etc.)

• Why is speech so powerful in shaping the health of a church?

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• Being a light -  How does ‘putting off’ sinful patterns and ‘putting on’ Spirit-led character make the gospel attractive? In what ways does relational health strengthen our witness?

• Sharing Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing stories of how we’ve seen God at work through simple faithfulness.

• Practical Next Steps – Who might God be placing on your heart at this time? Are there any “people of peace” (see note) in your life—those who seem open, welcoming, or receptive to spiritual conversation? What is one small step you could take this week?

Let’s Pray Together

Let’s pray for one another in light of what we’ve studied and bring any other needs before God.

• Pray for courage, wisdom, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit in our Serve, Invest, and Invite opportunities.

• Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - that God would open hearts and deepen relationships.

• General prayer: From our study, or from personal needs, how do people want prayer?

For Church Finances

Our passage speaks of usefulness and generosity. Please pray for our church finances. Despite growth in numbers, financial giving has not increased proportionally.

Please pray:

• For cheerful and faith-filled generosity.

• For wisdom and stewardship as a church.

• Personally consider whether God may be calling you to begin giving or to increase your giving.