Keep the Unity

We live in a time of disunity.  There is a war in Ukraine.  Our political parties are divided, with little agreement over economic, health and immigration policies.  Perhaps history has some lessons.  In 1722, a small group of Moravian Christians found refuge in Germany.  More than 300 people came, and one would think that the refugees would find happiness and unity but that was not the case. Different perspectives on Christianity brought division.   But an incredible revival developed.  They began to focus on what they agreed on rather than on what they disagreed on.  The result was unity!

Paul encouraged the believers in the church in Ephesus to live in unity. Sin would always bring trouble. In Ephesians 5:2, the Ephesians were called to live out their identity in practical ways. Ephesians 4:3 says “they were to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

Unity is not something accomplished by strength.  We are to “be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (vs. 2) We can’t reach unity through our own power but rather through God’s perfect power “that is at work within us.” (3:20)

We as Christians and as a nation need to read and lift up Ephesians 4:3.  We need to pray for unity and we need to “be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing one another in love.” Please slow down this week and pray for unity.  Pray that we as Christians may become more unified and as nation may do the same thing.

Prayer – Father, You who are over all and through all and in all, live among us in such a way that unity will be present.  Amen.

 Ephesians 4:3 – Make every effort to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace.

Author: Tommy Herndon