Unity in the Body of Christ

Unity in the body of Christ

Ephesians 4:1-16

Let's pray. Thank you Lord, thanks for giving us your words, because your words are precious. We prayed that you open our heart, let us see the truth. We pray in Jesus name Amen.

Living in unity (verses 1-3)

Paul had mentioned that he was "as the prisoner to The Lord ". So, I can see that he is very proud of it and had became one of his identities. Even though he was in jail, he still think of unity of church. That tells us that unity must be very important for a church.

First, what is the meaning of calling? The meaning is when God chooses us from this world, not wanting us to leave it but still live in it. The difference between Christians and non-Christians are the goal of our lives. Because of God's calling, God's grace that we are saved. So, in the first verse, it says we should "live a life worthy of the calling you have received".

What is a worthy life? The meaning can be found in the second verse, "be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love". And the purpose of doing that is be united with the Spirit.

Humble means not proud or arrogant. "....humility consider other better then yourselves" Philippians 2:3

Gentle means kindly or amiable. "......but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children" 1Thessalonians 2:7

Patient means calm or without complaint, even when you suffer without grumble. "when they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threat" 1Peter 2:23

Also, humble and gentle are how you treat people. Patient is when receiving the way people treat you.

Honestly, it is not easy to have unity when we are from different backgrounds, different cultures, different education and even different age. Because we have different point of view in looking at things. I don't know if any of you have had experience in taking board of deacons meeting or staff meeting. Everybody has their own...