How can we "keep the unity of the Spirit" in our church community? The Call to Unity “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3) This verse is not a polite suggestion; it is an inspired mandate. Unity already exists because the Spirit has placed every believer into one body (1 Corinthians 12:13). Our assignment is to preserve what God has created. What the Spirit’s Unity Is—and Is Not • It is spiritual, not merely organizational. • It is grounded in shared faith, hope, Lord, baptism, and God and Father of all (Ephesians 4:4-6). • It is not uniformity; diversity of gifts and personalities remains (1 Corinthians 12:4-6). • It is maintained “through the bond of peace,” meaning relationships free from hostility and full of goodwill. Essential Heart Attitudes (Ephesians 4:2) • Humility – recognizing every believer’s equal standing before the cross. • Gentleness – strength under control, refusing harshness. • Patience – long-suffering with others’ weaknesses. • Bearing with one another in love – choosing sacrificial commitment over irritation. These attitudes form the relational atmosphere in which unity thrives. Practical Ways to Keep the Unity 1. Guard your words • “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need” (Ephesians 4:29). • Speak truth in love, avoiding gossip, sarcasm, or exaggeration (Ephesians 4:15). 2. Resolve conflicts quickly • “If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately” (Matthew 18:15). • Seek reconciliation before worship (Matthew 5:23-24). • Forgive as Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:32). 3. Serve one another • “Through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13). • Unity grows when hands join in common ministry rather than critique from the sidelines. 4. Stay doctrinally anchored • Hold fast to “the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints” (Jude 3). • Unity rooted in truth is stronger than unity built on compromise (2 John 9). 5. Walk in the Spirit • The flesh produces “strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger,” but the Spirit produces “love, joy, peace” (Galatians 5:19-22). • Continual dependence on the Spirit empowers supernatural harmony. Handling Diversity Without Division • Celebrate different gifts (Romans 12:4-6). • Allow non-essentials to remain matters of personal conscience (Romans 14:1-4). • Keep Christ at the center; He “is before all things, and in Him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17). The Outcome of Preserved Unity • A credible witness: “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). • Spiritual growth: “From Him the whole body… grows and builds itself up in love” (Ephesians 4:16). • Shared joy: “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” (Psalm 133:1). Maintaining the unity of the Spirit is a daily, intentional exercise. When believers choose humility, guard their speech, serve faithfully, and keep their eyes on Christ, the Spirit’s unity is not only preserved—it becomes a powerful testimony to the grace of God. |
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