With all humility and gentleness, with patience, putting up with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:2-3
Into the Text
Unity and peace. That can sound like wishful thinking, but the church is called to be radically different from our culture.
We are called to be marked by humility, gentleness, patience, long-suffering, love, unity, and peace. Why can we do this? We can do this because we are all united under the banner of Jesus Christ.
The church is called to be the light of the world so that others can see our Savior through the way that we act and love one another (Matthew 5:14).
But if we’re honest, that’s not always easy. Even in the church, there are people who say and do things that hurt our feelings, break trust, or do not mirror the actions of Christ. It makes us want to pull away rather than press in.
Paul didn’t call the church to unity because it was going to be easy. No, he did it because he knows that we need one another. We have an enemy who wants nothing more than to divide the church and discredit the name of Jesus. This is why it is vitally important that we seek the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
I often have to repeat this verse to myself when I’m tempted to snap back at someone, give in to gossip, or walk away from a friendship. I have to remember that the person across from me is also a broken sinner saved by grace. I have to seek unity and reconciliation.
Living in peace with one another is not easy, but it’s worth it for the sake of the church. We can only do this through the grace of Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit in us.
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for giving me the body of Christ. I pray that you will help me seek unity and peace with others. Amen.