Devotion: Ephesians 4:3

Ephesians 4:3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

It is important to understand the verses leading up to today’s verse if we want to really understand what exactly Paul is referring to here. He wrote his letter from prison to a church that was made up of both Jewish and Gentile converts. Earlier in Ephesians, Paul explained that Christ broke the divide that historically separated the two groups of people (Ephesians 2:11-22). Because there were two groups who had been divided prior, the unity of the Spirit was important. It wasn’t just a generic ideal or wishful thinking. He was giving them instructions to be one unified family of believers.

In Ephesians 4:1 we see where Paul instructed them to walk in a manner worthy of their calling. He then explained how to do this in verses two and three. He told them they needed to bear with one another in love – with humility, gentleness, and patience. Doing so would sustain the bond of peace they experienced. It was more than simply avoiding conflict. It was walking in unity with their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, regardless of prior religious background.

Paul went on in verses 4-6 to provide the foundation for their unity. He spoke of one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all. He showed them WHY they needed unity.

It is important to recognize that they were instructed to make every effort. It was not just a one time action or an occasional behavior. They needed to work at it, to endeavor, to try. It required active, diligent work. This was the only way to protect the harmony of the Body and the peace within the church.

Note he also told them to keep the unity. He did not tell them to create unity or to fabricate it. They were to keep it or preserve it. The Holy Spirit is the One who establishes unity amongst us. We are responsible for not destroying that unity through our selfish ambition, pride, or anything else.

And it is just as important today as it was for the recipients of this letter. We come from diverse backgrounds, from different socio-economic classes, from different upbringings, and so on. There are many things that can divide us. But as believers we are part of one Body, one faith, one church, and we need to remember that and strive to maintain the unity that the Spirit has established.

What can you do today to preserve the unity of the Spirit to protect the bond of peace within the church? Commit to praying for peace within the Body, that we would be like-minded and come together as one Family to bring the message of Jesus to a lost and hurting world.

Prayer: Lord, Help us to preserve the bond of peace within the church. Let us set aside our differences and focus on what is most important – sharing You with those who are most in need. Amen

You might also like this:

Devotion: Habakkuk 2:3 Devotion: John 1:14 Devotion: 1 Chronicles 29:13