Recently my husband and I have been reading out of the book of Ephesians during our devotions in the morning. I felt impressed to jot down some of the thoughts that have come to me during this time. Walking in unity is so important in our Christian walk and in our relationship with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
In Ephesians 4, Verses 1 – 3 we are encouraged to walk worthy of the calling with which we have been called with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love. If we do this, we are endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. I don’t know about you, but this has not always been easy for me.
I have found that going to church and fellow shipping with others on a surface level is much different than “rubbing elbows” with others on a daily basis at work, or living together. I have found that “iron sharpens iron”, and at times it is not a pleasant thing. In our flesh, we are selfish and self-centered, wanting our own way many times. Often, instead of having an attitude of gentleness, we do our best to get our own way.
Did you know that to forbear one another in love actually means “to endure the evil in another person’s personality?” That is when I have begun to see what is in my own heart, when I have been wronged by someone and an attitude of resentment arises in my heart. It is then that the Holy Spirit gets my attention and begins to show me my shortcomings. And, as I ask forgiveness, He is so gracious to activate His Grace in my life! It is when we yield our sinful, self-centered attitudes to the Lord that we are able to really keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
In verse 4, we read: “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling.” (KJV) We all are a part of the Body of Christ, if we have been born again. As it states in 1 Corinthians 12, as each member of our physical body serves a certain purpose and function, so it is with the Body of Christ. Jesus has placed us in the Body as it pleases Him. Each of us may function differently in the gifts that He has given us, yet we are all members of the same Body! We have different temperaments, but yet we are one Body. As our physical members must function in the duty they have been created for, so must we function in our various gifts and callings.
We should never compare ourselves with others. Because we are different, it is in working together in harmony and submitting to each other in love that we can come together in unity. We need to learn to respect our differences and realize that as we complement one another instead of compete with one another we fulfill the law of Christ!
In Galatians 6:2 we read, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” NIV Most Bible teachers understand the law of Christ to be what Christ stated were the greatest commandments in Mark 12:28 – 31. “Which commandment is the most important?” Jesus answered, ‘The most important is, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” The second is this: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these.” (NIV) The law of Christ, then, is to love God with all of our being and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.
The Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 1:11 — “May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this shall bring much glory and praise to God.” NLT
If we abide in Christ and He abides in us we will come into unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ because we are abiding in His Love. We will begin to see others through His eyes instead if ours!
