Our scripture this morning is Ephesians 4:1-6.
I, therefore, the prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live worthily of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you too were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Paul has been working to unite Jewish and Gentile believers based on their shared faith rather than their different heritage and culture. He reminds them (and us) that while we are all unique, we are all part of “one body and one Spirit”. Jesus has called us to be His brothers and sisters.
It is this “unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” that sets Christians apart from the rest of the world. God has sent us His love and forgiveness, and we are to share it with everyone. While our gifts and our work for the kingdom may be different, our goal is the same – to make disciples of all nations.
God invites us to be part of what He is doing in the world. When we come to Him in repentance He is always ready to enfold us in His love and renew our our energy. He has a purpose for each one of us and everyone is gifted to go in His name.
Heavenly Father, we are amazed that You want us to be part of Your family and Your plan of salvation. We go in faith to make a difference in the world. Amen.
