There is one body and one Spirit, just as you also were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. (vv. 4-6)

In true Christianity, there is no confusion. Yet many ideas that arise from human imagination have caused, and continue to cause, confusion. There are many different doctrines. Some have been tested and rejected, while others have been refined and strengthened over time.

It is not difficult to become a believer. In fact, faith is a gift from God, and we cannot resist His grace. We did not know that we were God’s children until the Holy Spirit opened our eyes and enabled us to understand God’s Word.

Preaching the gospel to everyone is indeed the duty of every Christian. However, that does not mean the gospel should be compromised in order to persuade unbelievers. Christianity is destined to be hated by unbelievers. Yet many Christian leaders, who later proved to be false Christians, have taken the path of destruction. As a result, many Christians have returned to slavery. The only thing that sets us free again and again is God’s Word.

As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of people, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, that is, Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love. (vv. 14-16)

Even though one may claim to be a Christian, one is not truly a Christian without knowing and speaking the truth. It is essential to belong to a church where the truth is proclaimed and where there are people who can teach and guide you.

We are often misled by outward appearances—people in fine clothes, impressive church buildings, and large congregations. Pagans follow what shines before their eyes. That is why Jesus told the Jewish leaders that they were blind. They could see external things, yet they could not recognize the truth that stood before them.

So I say this, and affirm in the Lord, that you are to no longer walk just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their minds, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; and they, having become callous, have given themselves up to indecent behavior for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. (vv. 17-19)

It is natural to be angry at those who spread lies about God, yet people often misinterpret this verse:

All bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander must be removed from you, along with all malice. (v.31)

However, Paul is referring to the sinful attitudes and evil deeds that characterise unbelievers. We no longer belong to that group, nor should we live as they do.

Some also say that we should forgive everyone indiscriminately. Yet we do not have the authority to excuse or overlook the evil committed by those who deceive others and lead them astray. Judgment belongs to God. While we are called to put away malice and personal vengeance, we must not call evil good or pretend that falsehood and corruption do not matter.

Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. (v.32)

Forgiveness is not ultimately in our hands. We can forgive only when God gives us the heart to do so. God grants forgiveness according to His will and mercy. Indeed, God forgave those who crucified Jesus and persecuted Christians because they were His children, even though they acted in ignorance.

We, too, sin in ignorance. Sometimes we do not realise that we have sinned. If we claim that we do not sin and become proud, we show that the truth is not in us. True Christians respond differently from unbelievers when they become aware of their sins. Rather than justifying themselves or hardening their hearts, they repent, confess their sins, and turn again to God.

But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves. (Luke 23:34)

And forgive us our sins, For we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation. (Luke 11:4)