Make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Ephesians 4:3 (EHV)

One of the most marvelous accomplishments of the finished work of the Cross is we are all made into one new man in Christ. (Ephesians 2:15) We are intricately woven together and joined to each other by perfect love Himself. If we have ever used class, race, age, or gender to divide us, we have yet to embrace and experience the gospel in its fullness.

Our oneness in Christ is the basis for unity and diversity.

To put it another way, we don't need to create unity because it is already a reality for all followers of Christ. We just need to express and celebrate unity with other believers as God works in us to conform us into the image of His Son. This gives us a divine advantage to overcome envy, offense, and rejection since we have all been chosen and adopted by God into His new creation family.

Being secured in who we are and what we have in Christ frees us to love with an open heart and open arms. Some will take advantage of us. Some will let us down. And some will even walk away. Whatever happened or did not happen, we as a community of believers must safeguard this precious God-given gift of unity, even if others do not defend it or wish to destroy it.

The “bond of peace” is what holds our unity together.

Jesus tells us, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:7) A blessing awaits us when we work peace into broken hearts and wounded souls. As we learn to radiate Christ’s peace unconditionally, we create an endless ripple effect of love, joy and kindness.