Unity
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit – just as you were called to one hope when you were called – one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all??? (Ephesians 4:2 – 6).
Since we were called to live the Christian life in community rather than isolation, and since many different gifts are required to work out God’s purpose in the world, then humility is an essential ingredient for believers to function together in unity.
Be completely humble and gentle.
My way isn’t the only way that things can be done. Being teachable, as well as flexible, allows for give and take in relationships. Also, by acknowledging that every gift is from God, we keep our opinions of ourselves in proper perspective.
Be patient.
A lack of patience is a sure sign of selfishness and lack of humility. Impatience says my agenda, my needs, and my time are more important than yours.
Bear with one another in love.
Who doesn’t have irritating little habits? Who doesn’t fall short of how God calls us to live? God’s grace gives us the power to overlook an offence.
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit.
Unity doesn’t happen by accident. Nor is it simply the result of everyone thinking the same way. Rather it comes by a conscious effort, from all parties, to submit themselves to God’s leadership and to each other. That kind of submission requires humility. Thus only with humility is unity possible.
~Holy God, forgive my pride. Enable me to love, to be patient and gentle with other believers and to humbly seek unity because I know we serve one God. In Jesus’ strong name I pray, amen.
About the Author: This devotional was written by Suzanne Benner. Learn more about Suzanne: http://www.talk.thelife.com/authors/suzanne-benner/
Going Deeper
1. Consider these questions: What keeps you from being more humble? Is it difficult to believe that impatience is a symptom of a bigger problem? What steps can you take to improve the unity in your community of believers?
2. Comment on the devotional blog. Interact with others who are reading today’s devotional: http://talk.thelife.com/
3. Chat: Join us for a 15-minute chat at 10:30 am Eastern, 7:30 am Pacific: http://www.christianwomentoday.com/chat
4. Check out the related article, “Handling Criticism Gracefully” http://www.christianwomentoday.com/womenmen/kassian_bait.html
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6 Responses to “Unity”
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Unity is very important in our Christian communities. Yet, we must also remember there are times that we must confront someone in love to assist in gently restoring them. Unity is important, but if we live a life in the midst of warm fuzzy’s (which is not unity) we will cease to grow. Unity is also about loving one another enough to speak the truth the truth (in love).
That was really awesome. It encouraged me as I’m going through a rough patch with all my friends. I felt so strongly that the girls in our church are not unified, they have there groups and when new people come it’s like they’re welcomed but really unnoticed in the scheme of things. I’m just overwhelmed as I know that pride is at the root of it all in my life aswell but I don’y know how to go out there and overcome it.
Jen from Oztralia
Once again, this is exactly what I needed to hear today! God is so amazing. He knows just what we need when we need it!
I have struggled with unity in different relationships in my life. I will continue to persist and seek God through the “tough stuff!”
God Bless!!!
Yes, I find that when I am in a situation where I allow the “irritating little habits” of others take over my thinking that I am pushing God out my thinking. If this happenes to be during a church service I find that I am the one that loses because I did not allow God to speak to me the things He wanted to learn.
Instead of dwelling on others and their habits, I need to ask God to show me if I have any habits that need changing.
(Ephesians 4:32 (The Message)
“Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.”
I loved this devotional. I find it so hard to serve in unity with some people that make it all about themselves and what they want. It seems to take my thoughts and mind off of worship and on that problem. I just need to learn to be patient and pray for those people at the church that I attend. Thanks for that!
Speaking of unity, I so appreciate your comments, your insights, and your encouragement for another on this blog! It’s edifying when we share how the Holy Spirit uses these devotionals in ways so specific to our lives.
The time I’ve spent on this blog has helped me to take the truth deeper, to meditate on it, to apply it.
What did the Holy Spirit bring to your attention today as you read the devotional?