Bible reading for 40.Day 2026 | Ephesians 4:1-3

Have you ever injured yourself?

Two weeks ago, out of the blue, the joint between my left thumb and palm began to swell. 

A few days later, the upper part of my thumb could not bend without causing excruciating pain, even while I was sleeping at night.

I could not carry things properly because bending my thumb was painful. Even simple tasks, such as buttoning my shirt, became difficult. 

As a result, my right hand and the rest of my fingers were forced to work extra hard, to hold and carry things.

What does this have to do with us today in these 40.Days of prayer and meditation?

From this incident, I am reminded again that whenever any part of the body is injured or unable to function properly, it always impacts the whole body. The rest of the parts must work harder to support the injured one.

Turning Singapore Godward is a challenging mission. 

It is not just a blueprint that looks good on paper, but a divine calling that is close to God’s heart.

This calling requires the entire Body of Christ to work together. No one can claim to be superior to others.

Friends, this is exactly the teaching of Paul when he wrote a letter to the believers in Ephesus: “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1–3).

To see the vision of the nation turning Godward, we, as believers, must begin to walk in the transformed life that God has called us to.

The word “walk” in Greek is peripateo (περιπατέω). It means to live our lives with an awareness of God and to depend on Him.

1. Walk in the manner worthy of the calling (Ephesians 4:1)

Paul urges us to live a life worthy of His calling because of what Christ has done for us and in us, especially in uniting us into one body.

“There is one Body and one Spirit – just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call – one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6)

The word “one” appears seven times, just in case we miss the point.

Paul then reminds us that our personal spiritual walk is never separated from our corporate spiritual walk.

Now, we are called to maintain, to make every effort to keep this unity that Christ has given us in His Body.

2. Walk with all humility, gentleness and patience (Ephesians 4:2)

The question is: How can we walk with one another?

From Ephesians 4:2, we learn that we are to do so with all humility, gentleness and patience, or long-suffering.

This “long-suffering” reflects who God is – He is slow to anger and full of compassion.

In fact, the Greek word for “long-suffering” is makrothumia (μακροθυμία): Makro means long or large, thumia means heat or boiling.

When combined, it means that it takes you a long time to “boil” or become angry.

3. Bear with one another in love (Ephesians 4:3)

Lastly, we are called to bear with one another in love.

Yes, to turn the nation Godward, it begins with you and me understanding what Christ has done for us and in us.

Churches will have differences due to our distinctives, our historical backgrounds, our preferences and styles.

Yet, these should not deter us from maintaining – or making every effort to keep – the unity that God has already created for us.

Back to my story: After some weeks of applying ointment, my thumb has become better.

There are times when we need to allow other “fingers” – other churches, other brothers and sisters – to come alongside and help us and support us. There will also come a time for us to go out and help those in need.

To turn Singapore Godward, we must be in this together, for one another! Because Christ is in us.

Every finger counts.

Let us pray.

Father, keep our hearts humble and tender. Draw our hearts close to You and to each other. Protect us from pride and divisive thoughts. Grant us godly wisdom so that we will move together as one Body of Christ, for each other. 

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Reflect:

1. How can we better walk in a manner worthy of our calling in Christ?
   
2. Is it a challenge to walk in humility, gentleness and patience? How can we overcome this?
   
3. In what practical ways can we bear with one another in love while taking into account our differences?

Pray:

1. That we will live worthy of our calling, especially by heeding the call to unity between believers and churches.
   
2. That we will exercise Christlikeness – actively walking in humility, gentleness and patience, and being slow to anger.

3. That we will bear with one another in love, setting aside our differences and endeavouring to maintain unity with other believers.

Follow Salt&Light on Telegram, Facebook or Instagram for more of LoveSingapore’s daily devotions until August 9, 2026.