Unity Among Believers

“Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace … one body … one Spirit … one hope … one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”—Ephesians 4:3–6

Differences among believers are inevitable (Romans 14:5–6). After all, we are a collection of people with unique backgrounds and experiences, different personalities and interests, different gifts and talents.

But the Bible reminds us that our goal should be to maintain the unity of the Spirit. This was the focus of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. Something that required effort and needed “endeavoring,” this unity is preserved through “the bond of peace.” Our unity is impossible without this commitment.

Paul named seven ways in which we are joined together in unity. First, all believers belong to the same body, with Jesus as the head (Ephesians 1:22). He is our Lord. Though there are gifts and manifestations of the Spirit, there is only one Spirit. He is not limited but sovereignly works in the lives of men and women.

There are many ways to express the hope we have as believers, but ultimately there is one hope for everyone. There is one faith and one baptism, one way to confirm our membership in the body. We all are saved by grace through faith. We all are called to submit ourselves to Christ. His work alone saved us. His blood alone cleanses us. Apart from Him, we are lost. Finally, there is one God. He is our Father, our Creator.

Ask God to help you be an instrument of unity among believers and an instrument of His peace.

Reflection Question: How can you help heal divisions in the body of Christ?