August 29, 2023
Unity of the Spirit
Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore, it says, WHEN HE ASCENDED ON HIGH, HE LED CAPTIVE A HOST OF CAPTIVES, AND HE GAVE GIFTS TO MEN." Ephesians 4:1-8
Sin disrupts relationships and separates us from God. We can readily see these consequences in the account of Adam and Eve. Disobedience hurt their relationship with God and caused them to live apart from Him. Later, their son Cain murdered his brother Abel. Today, sin continues to cause this pattern of alienation, jealousy, hatred, and violence.
But by sending His Son Jesus to die in our place, God the Father made it possible for each of us to be reconciled to Him. When we accept His offer of salvation, we move from a state of estrangement to permanent adoption as His children (John 1:12; Ephesians 1:5).
And because the Holy Spirit indwells believers to provide guidance and teaching, we can experience a unity with other Christians, which is expressed through the bond of peace (Eph. 4:3). Since we are all unique, this does not in any way imply uniformity. However, it does point to living in submission to the Father and displaying attitudes and behavior that will strengthen connections with our spiritual family.
Are you already a child of God? Then make living in unity with others a priority (Romans 12:18). But if you haven’t yet answered God’s call, why not ask Jesus for forgiveness today?
Listen to Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr. on OnePlace.com
Watch Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr. on LightSource.com
