“I, therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg 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, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:1-3).
A Call to Reflect the Oneness of Christ
“ I, therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg 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, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace: there is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all” (Eph. 4:1-6).
Unity in the body of Christ is one of the most profound themes woven throughout Scripture. It is not merely a theological concept but a divine calling that reflects the very nature of God. As Christians, we are invited to embrace this unity. We do this not by erasing distinctions. Instead, we celebrate the diversity that enriches our collective faith. As Ephesians 4 illuminates, unity is both the destination and the journey, requiring humility, patience, and love.
The Call to Unity
The Apostle Paul urges believers in Ephesians 4:1-6 to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling.” This calling is emphasized because it is of great importance. You have been called to pursue this actively. This high calling is not passive; it is an active pursuit of living in alignment with Christ’s example. Unity is rooted in the character of God—Father, Son, and Spirit—who exists in perfect harmony. It is this divine oneness that believers are invited to reflect.
Paul outlines the qualities essential for fostering unity: humility, gentleness, patience, and bearing with one another in love. These are not merely virtues but the very attributes of Christ, enabling believers to navigate differences with grace. Unity, Paul reminds us, is not about diminishing individuality but about prioritizing the shared identity we hold in Christ.
He further emphasizes the foundation of this unity: “There is one body and one Spirit. You were called to the one hope that belongs to your call. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all. He is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:4-6). This oneness transcends cultural, denominational, and theological boundaries. It reminds us that, despite our differences, we are bound together by the Spirit.
Gifts for Building the Body
Unity within the body of Christ is not achieved through passive coexistence but active contribution. Paul highlights the spiritual gifts given to individuals for the common good. In Ephesians 4:11-13, he writes, “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers. Their role is to equip the saints for the work of ministry. They contribute to building up the body of Christ. This process continues until we all reach the unity of the faith. It also leads to the knowledge of the Son of God.”
These gifts are not intended for self-glorification but for the edification of the Church. They underscore the diversity within the body of Christ, where each member has a unique role to play. This diversity is not a threat to unity but a testament to God’s creative design. When believers exercise their gifts in humility and love, they build a community. This community reflects God’s glory. It also advances His mission.
Unity does not mean uniformity. It celebrates the unique expressions of faith and practice that contribute to the richness of the Christian tradition. Just as the human body is made up of many parts, each with its function, the Church is strengthened. This strength comes when every member contributes their gifts for the common good.
Guarding Against Division
Despite its divine origin, unity within the Church is fragile and must be diligently guarded. Paul warns against the forces that threaten harmony, like false doctrines, deceitful schemes, and divisive attitudes. “Speaking the truth in love,” he writes, is essential for maintaining unity and growing into maturity in Christ (Ephesians 4:15).
In verses 25-32, Paul offers practical advice for preserving unity. He urges believers to put away falsehood, anger, bitterness, and malice, and instead to embody kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness. These actions are not just moral imperatives but reflections of the life=changing power of the Gospel. When believers commit to these principles, they create a culture of grace and reconciliation, enabling the Church to stand united.
Unity requires intentionality. It is not a passive state but an active commitment to love, even in the face of disagreement. This love is the glue that binds the body of Christ together, enabling it to thrive.
The Importance of Unity
Unity in the body of Christ is vital for several reasons. First, it reflects the character and mission of God. Jesus prayed for His followers to be united. He did this “so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:21). A united Church serves as a powerful testimony to the love and truth of Christ, drawing others to the Gospel.
Second, unity strengthens the effectiveness of the Church’s mission. When believers work together in harmony, they can achieve far more than they individually. Unity fosters collaboration, mutual encouragement, and a sense of belonging. It enables the Church to fulfill its mission with joy and purpose. The Church serves as a beacon of hope in a fractured world.
Finally, unity nurtures spiritual growth and maturity. Paul describes this process in Ephesians 4:16. “The whole body is joined and held together by every joint. Each joint is part of the body’s equipment. When each part is working properly, it makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” Unity is both the means and the goal of spiritual development. It allows the Church to flourish in truth and love, reflecting God’s design for His people.
Reflection
Unity in the body of Christ is not merely an abstract ideal. It is a lived reality that believers are called to embody. It begins with our personal relationship with Christ and extends to our relationships with one another. This unity requires humility, patience, forgiveness, and a commitment to love, even when it is difficult.
In a world marked by division, the Church has the unique opportunity to shine as a beacon of reconciliation. When we embrace our shared identity in Christ, we can rise above our differences. This allows us to demonstrate the life-changing power of the Gospel. As Paul reminds us, “There is one body and one Spirit… one Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Ephesians 4:4-5). May our unity reflect the love of God and draw others to the beauty of the Gospel.
Unity in the body of Christ is both a challenge and a gift. It calls us to transcend our individual preferences and align ourselves with God’s greater purpose. Let us strive to maintain this unity. We should cherish the diversity that enriches our faith. We must hold fast to our shared identity as followers of Jesus. Through this unity, we honor God and fulfill our calling as His Church.
May the love of God shine through us, bringing hope, healing, and transformation to those around us. Amen.
Minister A. Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 