Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (Eph. 4:3)
Expanded Passage: Ephesians 4:3-6
The Christmas season has just gone by, with all of its parties, get-togethers, and family gatherings. These celebrations sound so idyllic, but we all know that gatherings can be stressful, especially when personalities conflict or when old resentments flare. Yes, this can happen right in the middle of Grandma’s superb Christmas dinner. It is a sad characteristic of many human beings to be argumentative on the one hand and overly sensitive on the other. We are convinced that we are right and others are just misled. When others disagree with us, we become defensive. In short, when people gather, interactions can become thorny.
When such tensions or disputes occur in the body of Christ, peace, Christian unity, and the work of the kingdom are disrupted. The apostle Paul encouraged the Christians in Ephesus to cultivate unity because he was anticipating the challenges of maintaining harmony between Jewish Christians and converted Gentiles. The only way God’s plan for humankind could succeed is for the body of Christ to operate under a mantle of cooperation and peace.
Just like our families gathered for Christmas dinner, the body of Christ is comprised of an amazing variety of personalities and opinions. Our mission is to extend goodwill and peace to all of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Yes, we may all be different, but we are family.
Make unity with all fellow Christians a priority, no matter the differences.
Lisa Riggs serves as associate professor of English and literature at Oklahoma Wesleyan University. She enjoys visiting with family, writing poetry, and painting landscapes.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
