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What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?

Romans 6:1–2

A Christian has died to sin. Sinhas no control over a corpse. Temptation can present itself enticingly and persistently, yet a corpse will not succumb! Before you were a Christian you were keenly susceptible to sin. Sin held you in its grip. When you became a Christian, your old self died (Gal. 2:20). Sin now has no more control over you than temptation has over a corpse. You have died to sin. You can still sin, but you are no longer in sin’s power. If you choose to succumb to temptation, you are rejecting the freedom from sin that Christ gained for you by His death. God’s grace is a further motivation for us to resist sin.

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And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Ephesians 4:32

The Book of Ephesians describes the behavior that ought to characterize Christians as they relate to one another. Our actions ought to be permeated with kindness. Kindness is love expressed in practical ways; it is putting the needs of others before our own. It is intentionally considering ways to meet other people’s needs. Being tender hearted means that we are keenly sensitive to the feelings of others. When a fellow Christian experiences sorrow, we grieve also (1 Cor. 12:26). When another believer is joyful, we, too, rejoice. Being tender hearted means showing compassion toward those around us.

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For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.

2 Corinthians 2:15

Whenever the Romans won a major military victory they would celebrate with a spectacular parade. The commandinggeneral would lead the procession in a magnificent chariot, followedby his soldiers, musicians, and other officials. Then, soldiers wouldlead the defeated enemies through the city in bondage. As a part of the celebration, the Romans would burn fragrances on altars, filling the entire city with a pleasant aroma. Even those who could notwitness the triumphal procession could hear the victory music andsmell the pleasing incense. Everyone would know that their army hadbeen victorious. 

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For do I now persuade men, or God? Or doI seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be abondservant of Christ.

Galatians 1:10

At times you will have to make a choice between pleasing God and pleasing those around you, for God’s ways are not man’s ways (Isa. 55:8–9). As important as it is to strivefor good relations with others, it is even more important to maintaina steadfast and obedient relationship with Christ. Disobeying God tokeep peace with other people is never wise. Peace with God is alwaysparamount. Jesus warned that obeying Him might cause division in yourrelationships (Matt. 10:35–36). 

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