Unity of local churches
“Therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” Ephesians 4:1-7
CONSIDER: The writer gives the readers several specific instructions:
1) walk in a worthy manner of the calling with humility, gentleness, patience,
2) while bearing one another in love, and
3) eagerly maintaining the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Furthermore, the writer lets us know there is one body, one Spirit, and one hope. This suggests unity without division despite different functions. The body has a purpose, the Spirit has a job, and hope has a role. Although different, they work together. This scripture points to one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and above all, one Father who is inclusive. What a wonderful reminder that our Creator, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit can distinctly function in more than one capacity and yet remain unified. As believers in the Kingdom of God, we may differ in race, denominations, gender, social status, and worship styles. However, we serve the same Lord – placing our faith in Him. We have also been baptized in His Spirit and have a renewed life. If One died for all, all should live in unity for the One, Jesus our Lord!
PRAY: Heavenly Father, we thank You for sending Your son, Jesus, to die for all our sins. If it were not for Him, regardless of our various backgrounds, we would be lost forever. Father, we pray for unity amongst pastors and churches irrespective of our denomination and religious affiliations. If there is any divisiveness, forgive, deliver, and help us turn from those ways. We want to live for You in love, peace, and unity with our fellow brothers and sisters. This we pray in Jesus’ mighty and matchless name. Amen.
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