Daily Nuggets of Grace - Part 8: Peacemaker!Намуна

United as Christ's Body

We are God’s workmanship, His masterpiece, united in Christ.

We often apply Ephesians 2:10 to ourselves as individuals. And it is true of you, that you are God’s work of art, created anew in Christ.

But the verse is deeper than that. God created something new. Notice that it’s singular. As new creations in Christ, we collectively form God's new masterpiece – His larger body, the Church. Together we form a unique community to bring Him glory.

Verses 11-22 speak of the mystery revealed through the Church. God’s plan was to build both Jews and Gentiles into a single structure with one foundation, Christ. As modern believers, we struggle to grasp the immense gap that God bridged. But if God could heal that divide, then He can do it for people today as well.

Among the many beautiful aspects of the church is the combination of both unity and diversity. We are individuals with our unique gifts, talents, and ideas. We are different ethnic groups, each with our own values, heritage, and beauty. We have different languages and worship styles.

Yet, God brings us together as His workmanship. We were once far from God and each other, but God brought us near through the blood of Jesus Christ. The two, divided by a wall of hostility, are brought together as one through the reconciling power of Jesus’ blood.

Hatred and hurt, division and suspicion, isolation and separation are replaced with peace through our common Savior. Christ Jesus is our cornerstone. He’s the One who unites us. In Him, we are built together to be God’s dwelling place. This is where God displays His workmanship.

In this Christ-centered unity, true community is planted.

In this community, people feel the real needs of each other. People also celebrate each other’s gifts. There is a sense of interconnected support and love. People see God at work in others and rejoice together. Hostility is put to death as we come together to the cross of Jesus. Lives and relationships experience healing as we embrace our collective position in this one body of Christ.

So, Reflect and Respond:

We are made for community. What can you do to celebrate the unique gifts and beauty of God’s people who are different than you?

Let’s Pray:

Father, thank You for making the two one and uniting us together in the body of Christ.Help me to see and embrace my part in this community of Your people. It is what we truly need.

Now, let’s dive into the scriptures of this theme…