Maintaining Unity - February 19

Read Ephesians 4:1-3

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Reflect

How does gentleness maintain unity among the body of Christ?

God’s Word says that “a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1, NIV). This has proven to be true over and over in my life. I am learning just how much I set the tone in my own home. I’ve also seen this prove true in the body of believers. The body of Christ is a diverse unit. But it is one unit. Therefore, there should be unity among Christians (1 Corinthians 12:12-31). Unfortunately, we don’t always practice gentleness with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Sadly, we are often known more for what divides us than what unites us. This should not be.

In today’s verses, Paul exhorted the believers in Ephesus to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.” He was reminding them that their lifestyle should line up with their faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Their outward behavior should match up with their inward beliefs.

Paul told them practically how to do this. He told them to be humble, gentle, and patient with each other. They should bear with one another in love. Sometimes, it can be difficult for us to tolerate our differences and we get fed up and frustrated. But, out of love for Christ and for one another, we should put up with each other. After all, if we are truly humble, we realize that other believers have to put up with us.

Sometimes, we balk at the idea of gentleness because we equate it with weakness. In reality, though, gentleness is strength under control. It takes a strong person to give a gentle reply to a rude comment. It takes a strong person to respond to anger with love. It takes a strong person to consider others as more important than yourself (Philippians 2:3). It takes strength to endure frustrations and disagreements without losing your temper.

But this gentleness does not come from our own strength. Our gentleness is found in His strength. It is a gift of His grace and a fruit of His Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). He cultivates and grows His gentleness in our hearts but we have to follow His leading and yield to His will, rather than our own.

The online commentary, GotQuestions.org, had this to say about the Spirit’s gentleness: “When we are filled with the Spirit’s fruit of gentleness, we will correct others with easiness instead of arguing in resentment and anger, knowing that their salvation is far more important than our pride (2 Timothy 2:24-25). We will forgive readily, because any offense toward us is nothing compared to our offenses against God—offenses He’s already forgiven (Matthew 18:23-35). Competition and sectarianism will disappear, as the goal becomes less about ourselves and more about preaching the gospel (Philippians 1:15-18).”

But it also pointed out that being gentle doesn’t mean being passive about addressing sin. In Galatians 6:1, the apostle Paul said, “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness…”. GotQuestions.org elaborated, “This doesn’t mean to be so soft that the sinner doesn’t realize he’s sinned. It means to confront the brother in a manner that is in line with Scripture—to be mild, loving, encouraging, and clear about the holiness that God calls us to.”

Finally, in today’s verses, Paul told us that our motivation for being gentle with one another should be our eagerness “to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” We are not supposed to be united simply for unity’s sake. We are united and bonded together in Christ. Our unity is a result of His work on the cross. We cannot manufacture this oneness but we can maintain it. By His grace and through His Spirit at work in us, we can be gentle with each other and keep the peace in the body of Christ.

Respond

Lord, I confess that it can be difficult to respond to my brothers and sisters in Christ with gentleness. But I want to be gentle with others, as You have been gentle with me. Please cultivate Your strength in me so that I can be humble, gentle, patient, and loving, eager to maintain the unity of Your body. Amen.

Reveal

As you go about your day today, practice gentle responses to those around you, revealing His Spirit at work in your life.