Our Daily Bread: Unity in JesusSample

Called to Care

Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. -Ephesians 4:2

Our small-group Bible study had a problem. We’d grown to more than thirty people. The deacons suggested we split the group, but no one wanted to leave. So we stayed together.

It hadn’t always been that way. When we started with just a few people, most had been reluctant to speak. Soon, however, we realized we could honestly share with each other. We prayed. We helped each other in practical ways.

For the first half of his letter to the church in Ephesus, the apostle Paul wrote about who we are in Jesus. We’re God’s blessed, chosen, forgiven, and adopted children (Ephesians 1:3–14). We’re the revealed mystery of Christ (3:2–6), Jews and gentiles coming together to form God’s church.

Then, in chapter 4, Paul tells us, “Lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God” (v. 1). This will reveal itself in practical ways. “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love” (v. 2). These are qualities that don’t come naturally. We need the Holy Spirit’s help to forge a unifying bond of peace (v. 3).

As David wrote, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1 niv). This is our calling. It’s who we are.

Tim Gustafson

When have you experienced disunity in the church? When have you experienced unity, and what do you think made the difference?

Father, help me to be patient and kind today.