Our scripture this morning is Ephesians 4:2-7.
“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all. However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ.”
Paul encourages us to “be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love” (v. 2). We have heard this teaching in a variety of different ways, and we must remember that others are making allowance for our faults as well. God calls us to live together in harmony, caring for each other and lifting each other up.
We are all in this together, and God expects us to use the gifts we have been given in unity for the good of all people. Each of us has a gift that is needed to accomplish our Great Commission to make disciples of all nations. Jesus showed us how to reach out to others and share God’s love in word and action.
Paul stresses our “oneness” throughout this passage, reminding us there is “one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all” (v. 5). He tries to make us see that the differences we think exist between us are all of our own creation, not from God. May we see each other as unique brothers and sisters, all made in the image of our loving Father.
Gracious God, we are grateful for the diversity we see in creation, as all things work together according to Your will. Help us to learn how much more alike we are, loving our brothers and sisters because we are all Yours. Amen.