Unity in the Body of Christ

As you examine this passage and reflect on what living a lifestyle worthy of the calling is, don’t excuse the strong language Paul uses to exhort the Ephesians in the beginning of chapter four. He urges them to be completely humble and gentle, bearing with one another in love, while making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit. There’s a lot of action-packed encouragement in here. Why? Paul knows it’s imperative that the Ephesians own their part to play in keeping the unity of the Spirit, and that it is not a part of laziness.

Here we see a basic explanation of how elements of the Christian faith revolve around the three persons of the Trinity. Take note that the word one is used seven times! This idea of a singular hope, a singular mission, a singular sovereign God “who is over all and through all and in all” (v. 6) is a truth that should anchor us when life feels like rocking waves of twos and threes that cloud this perspective. Come back to the One who is sovereign over all, working through all, intimately present in all.

We read last week in chapter 3 (vv. 7–8) how fully convinced Paul was that his service, even his prison time, were gifts of God’s grace. Merriam-Webster defines grace as “unmerited divine assistance given humans for their sanctification.” A gift. Not deserved. Of grace.

When a life worthy of your calling doesn’t come easily and pursuing unity with believers around you feels like a never-ending dying to self, take a minute to remember Paul and his view of God’s grace in his life. Then remember verse 7 and take heart that God has given you grace in your life too.