Reflecting God: Embrace Holy Living Devotions for Holy Living from The Foundry Publishing House of The Global Church of the Nazarene in Kansas City, Missouri, United States for Tuesday, 30 April 2019 "Keep the Unity" by Mindy Alsworth with Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-8.

You are here

Keep the Unity

Ephesians 4:1-8

Previous BookPrevious ChapterRead the Full ChapterNext ChapterNext Book

1Scripture Formatting

1 T1 Therefore I, the prisoner united with the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called. 

2 Always be humble, gentle and patient, bearing with one another in love, 

3 and making every effort to preserve the unity the Spirit gives through the binding power of shalom. 

4There is one body and one Spirit, just as when you were called you were called to one hope. 

5 And there is one Lord, one trust, one immersion, 

6 and one God, the Father of all, who rules over all, works through all and is in all. 

7Each one of us, however, has been given grace to be measured by the Messiah's bounty. 

8 This is why it says, "After he went up into the heights, he led captivity captive and he gave gifts to mankind." 

 (Complete Jewish Bible).

and making every effort to preserve the unity the Spirit gives through the binding power of shalom.

 (Ephesians 4:3, Complete Jewish Bible).

We are bound together by Christ’s love; we are one in Him. Because ofothis mystery revealed to Paul, believers are one body. We belong to each other. Though differences may arise, we are to be patient with each other, doing all that we can to stay peacefully unified. John Wesley is given credit, along with others, for saying, "In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, and in all things charity."

As we are gracious with others, we remain united through the bond of peace. When we seek to be peacemakers, when we seek to be charitable in discussions, we are strengthening the bond of peace. Most points of contention are not salvific issues. We can graciously disagree without choosing to be offended, remaining peaceful in our interactions.

In doing this, we show the world that the Body of Christ is united. Those who would be enemies are reconciled in Christ. This is a true expression of Christ’s redeeming work: unity in the midst of difference. An expression of genuine love for one another is like a beacon shining in the darkest night. It draws others to it, growing the Body of Christ. Let us seek to be peacemakers, united as one.

Hymn for today: "Constantly Abiding" by Anne S. Murphy.

1. 1. There’s a peace in my heart that the world never gave,
   A peace it cannot take away;
   Though the trials of life may surround like a cloud,
   I’ve a peace that has come here to stay!
   • Refrain:
     Constantly abiding, Jesus is mine;
     Constantly abiding, rapture divine;
     He never leaves me lonely, whispers, oh, so kind:
     “I will never leave thee”—Jesus is mine.
2. 2. All the world seemed to sing of a Savior and King,
   When peace sweetly came to my heart;
   Troubles all fled away and my night turned to day,
   Blessed Jesus, how glorious Thou art!
3. Refrain:
   Constantly abiding, Jesus is mine;
   Constantly abiding, rapture divine;
   He never leaves me lonely, whispers, oh, so kind:
   “I will never leave thee”—Jesus is mine.
4. 3. This treasure I have in a temple of clay,
   While here on His footstool I roam;
   But He’s coming to take me some glorious day,
   Over there to my heavenly home!
5. Refrain:
   Constantly abiding, Jesus is mine;
   Constantly abiding, rapture divine;
   He never leaves me lonely, whispers, oh, so kind:
   “I will never leave thee”—Jesus is mine.

Thought for today: Those who love your Torah have great peace; nothing makes them stumble. (Psalms 119:165, Complete Jewish Bible).

Please pray: For the development of Christian leaders in Bolivia.

Reflecting God is a digital publication of the Nazarene Publishing House. Click here for more information.

Prayer Opportunities

Do you need prayer? Let us know.

Did you know that: God loves you and offers you salvation? Now what?

For more information and support, find a local church near you. Click here to find local contact information.

*******