Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 The Importance of Unity Within the Body of Christ

Ephesians 4:1-7

Verse: There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called. Ephesians 4:4

In the first three chapters of Ephesians Paul explains all that God has done for us through his mercy. However, in chapter four we can identify that Paul calls us, the people to live in the right manner. So as we can see this was done after Paul had explained what God did for us. 

Paul tells us to walk with lowliness and gentleness, to be humble in all we do. As Philippians 2:1-10 shows us, we should walk with our heads down which means we can be happy and content when we aren’t in control, knowing that truly God’s in control. We can also identify the forgiving and generous heart of Christ, as the spirit has all the power to take revenge. We need to suffer from one another so that the wrongs in our life will not work against God’s purpose of bringing us all together. The unity of the Spirit is given to us in peace and we can see the humbling and forgiving attitude presented. 

We must endeavor to keep this unity. God never tells us to create unity among believers because he has created it through his Spirit. Our duty is to recognize the Holy Spirit and keep it. This unity is also spiritual, not structural or denominational unity. It is seen among the fellowship of Christians of various races and nationalities.

There is one body and one spirit. We have unity because of what we share in common. In Jesus, we share one body, one spirit, one hope of our calling, one faith, one baptism, and one Father. The concept of baptism is the initial experience one has with the fullness of the Holy Spirit, this fullness is something God wants us to continue through a person’s Christian life. This concept is spoken of in Matthew 3:11. Paul spoke of baptism by water which is the visible token of God’s common work in all believers, which reveals the basis of unity.

Prayer
Heavenly Father- thank you, Lord, for giving us people to love and to take care of. Please allow us to do your will in unity knowing that you have a plan for us. Lord, please allow us to understand that we are united through your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

Thought for the Day

Our Society is increasingly plagued by loneliness. However human beings were created to be with others, and this is strengthened through the unity of the Holy Spirit. 

Jason Mathew
Epiphany MTC New York

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