Ephesians – Pt 8 | 15 Minutes In The Word with Joyce Meyer

Welcome to “15 Minutes in the Word” with New York Times bestselling author Joyce Meyer. In today’s program, Joyce will be teaching from her enlightening series on the Book of Ephesians. Are you ready to go deeper in your relationship with God? The Book of Ephesians is foundational for every believer to understand their true identity in Christ. Join Joyce as she takes us chapter by chapter through Ephesians, revealing who we are in Christ and how deeply God loves us. Now, let’s get started with today’s message.

(00:32) Matthew 5:9 says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” In other words, those who work for peace experience true joy and satisfaction, regardless of their circumstances. Joyce emphasizes that peace doesn’t just happen — we must pursue it intentionally. It’s like ripe fruit; it won’t simply fall into our laps. If we want peaceful relationships, we need to work for them deliberately.

Joyce humorously points out that sometimes it’s best to hold your tongue. “You don’t always have to have the last word,” she says. For married couples, this might mean refraining from giving unsolicited advice, like telling your spouse how to drive. She shares a personal insight: “God told me, ‘You’re a teacher, but you’re not your husband Dave’s teacher.’” This realization helped her focus on fostering peace rather than control in her marriage.

Joyce offers practical advice on maintaining peace: be willing to apologize first, even if it’s hard. Saying things like, “I was wrong,” or, “I think I’m right, but I could be wrong,” can diffuse tension and prevent arguments from escalating.

Moving into Ephesians 4:7, Joyce explains that each of us is given grace in different ways according to God’s purpose. “Grace” refers to God’s unmerited favor that equips us for our unique calling. Whether you’re raising a special-needs child or managing challenging circumstances, God’s grace enables you to endure with peace and joy.

She reminds us that comparing ourselves to others can steal our peace. Each person has their own grace for their unique place in life. For instance, if you see someone doing something extraordinary and wonder how they manage it, know that God has given them the grace to fulfill that role. When we rely on God’s grace, we can do incredible things beyond our natural abilities.

Joyce urges us not to fall into the trap of negativity. Avoid saying, “I can’t do this,” or, “There’s no way I can handle this.” Instead, pray for God’s grace to embrace your current situation with joy. Say, “Lord, if this is where You want me, give me the grace to be here with a positive attitude.”

Unity in diversity is another powerful theme Joyce highlights. We will never achieve harmony if we expect everyone to think and act like us. Embracing our unique gifts and understanding that God’s grace is tailored to each of us sets us free from the need to compete or compare.

Joyce also touches on the habit of comparing spiritual practices. For example, some Christians might proudly share that they pray for hours every day, while others might feel inadequate if they pray for just 15 minutes. She reminds us that what matters most is our heart’s posture toward God. Instead of seeking validation from others, we should do our spiritual practices privately, trusting that God sees our efforts and will reward us accordingly.

As Joyce continues her teaching, she emphasizes the importance of recognizing and embracing the grace that God has given each of us. This grace empowers us to live peacefully and joyfully, no matter what challenges come our way. By trusting in God’s grace, we can fulfill our purpose and make a positive impact in our unique spheres of influence.

Stay tuned for more insights as Joyce dives deeper into the Book of Ephesians, helping us uncover the richness of God’s love and the strength we have in Christ. Let’s commit to being peacemakers and trust that God’s grace will sustain us in every season of life.