Maintain unity

Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. v. 3

AMAN stranded by himself on an island was finally discovered. His rescuers asked him about the three huts they saw there. He pointed and said, “This one is my home and that one is my church.” He then pointed to the third hut: “That was my former church.” Though we may laugh at the silliness of this story, it does highlight a concern about unity among believers.

The church of Ephesus during the time of the apostle Paul was comprised of both rich and poor, Jews and Gentiles, men and women, masters and slaves. And where differences exist, so does friction. One concern Paul wrote about was the issue in Ephesians 4:3. He didn’t tell them to be “eager to produce or to organize unity.” He told them to endeavor “to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Unity already exists because believers share one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all (vv. 4-6).

How do we “keep the unity”? By expressing our different opinions and convictions with lowliness, gentleness, and patience (V. 2). The Spirit will give us the power to react in love toward those with whom we disagree. — ALBERT LEE

Lord, may our walk and our service be a picture of the unity of Father, Son, and Spirit in heaven above. Fill us with the fruit of the Spirit that we might love others as You desire. Unity among believers comes from our union with Christ.

©2015 ODB Ministries, 3000, Kraft Ave., SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49555-0001, USA. Used by permission. For this and other materials contact ODB Ministries at 322 P. Guevarra, San Juan City (Phils.); Tel.: 722-2010.