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 speaks of how brothers and sisters in Christ need to treat each other, “making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love” (v. 2). We all have things that annoy or anger us, as we all do things that annoy or anger others. By being more aware of our own behavior we can make a difference in others.
Because we are all part of the body of Christ, it is important for us to keep faith with each other in our efforts to share the Good News. We hear that “He has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ” (v. 7), meaning we each have a different way of working for the Kingdom. We must honor each other’s gifts and work together to continue the ministry Christ has given us.
This passage reminds us there is “one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all” (v. 6). We are all part of His creation but unlike every other thing, we were made in God’s image. We must learn to reflect His likeness through our love for one another.
Heavenly Father, we are amazed that You chose us to be part of what You are doing in creation. Help us to see all people as part of You and Your image in them. Amen.