❤️“With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love.” (Ephesians 4:2)
Whoever has traveled to Japan must have experienced the humility, gentleness, and patience of the locals, as well as the customer-first shopping experience, the welcoming smile and amiable manners … No wonder why so many people are keen to travel to Japan!
Having served as a missionary in Japan for years, I have come to understand that the Japanese are by nature reserved and do not easily reveal their true temperament. Thus, their humility and patience serve to ‘cushion’ interpersonal relationships. To avoid causing trouble to others, the Japanese are willing to forgo their own rights, even at the expense of personal loss. However, in my missionary work, I have also witnessed moments when they lost control. On several occasions, individuals would for no reason vent their frustrations at me, only to resume regular contact shortly afterward, as if nothing had happened!
I also understand that relying solely on cultural traditions and personal willpower does not suffice to uphold certain "virtues". No one is perfect. If we recognize and accept our own limitations, then counting on God's grace, we can still live with dignity. When I remember that the Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, rich in mercy and forgives us; I know I do not have to earn His grace by my own good works. On the contrary, the imprisoned Paul once exhorted the church in Ephesus, urging those called to faith to live a life worthy of the calling they have received. Being called is a grace we have freely received, so ‘freely give’ should be the will that guides our behavior.
God forgives us, shouldn’t we also forgive others? With a heart full of gratitude towards God in all things, we can be humble, gentle, patient, and show our love by being tolerant with one another. Persevering for oneself and living for others would not lead us very far no matter how hard we try. Let us live and strive for God!
(✒️Author: Rev. Lee, a missionary from Hong Kong who has served with his family in Japan for 15 years. He loves music and is learning folk songs and poetry.)
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