One body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all. What jumps out at you from these verses?
At the beginning of this chapter, immediately preceding these words, St. Paul writes, “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3).
Living in a broken world, you and I are called to be menders. Since God is one, since there is only one faith, only one baptism, only one Spirit, he calls upon us to be eager in maintaining the bond of peace and the unity of the spirit in the body of Christ. How can such a noble task be accomplished? Here are the ingredients: humility, gentleness, patience and love.
Are there any broken relationships around you? Do you want them to be restored? Take Paul’s fourfold prescription. Start with humility. Often broken relationships result from stubbornness and pride. Recognize that others are hurting as well and treat them with gentleness and kindness. Pray for a generous dose of patience. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Surround the whole process in love. Learn to love even when love isn’t returned.
Jesus used these four ingredients in His work of salvation for us. He humbled Himself to be born of a virgin and live in the world as one of us. He treats us with gentleness and kindness as we struggle through life’s difficulties. He is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. His love is the key. It led Him to the cross on our behalf.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your humility, gentleness, patience and love. Grant me an eagerness to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Amen.
God’s richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus
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