“The Unity of the Spirit” Eph. 4:3


Working Diligently to Keep It

“Endeavoring (working hard) to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3

There are times when people who are in the body of Christ disagree, and they might have to agree to disagree in the end, but they should talk to one another, person-to-person and seek to work through any strife or dissension. Jesus told us “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.” (Matt. 18:15) We should talk things out, which should always be done in the spirit of the love of Christ and with a humble, teachable heart, realizing we are all very imperfect and in desperate need of God’s forgiveness and workings in our hearts. Proverbs 25:9 says “Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another.” Paul and Barnabas disagreed sharply and even parted ways, but not with hatred or strife in their hearts (Acts 15:37-39). They agreed to disagree, yet remained in the love of Christ. The true remnant believer must not allow strife, bitterness or anything short of the love of God into his heart, and sometimes this must be made a matter of prayer when there is a struggle within to maintain the love of God. Remember Ephesians 4:3 which says we are to endeavor or work hard to maintain the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. Jude 21 says “Keep yourselves in the love of God.” Hell awaits all who die outside of the love of God – “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” (1 John 4:7-8)

“And be at peace among yourselves…See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.” 1 Thessalonians 5:13, 15

Love the brotherhood.” 1 Peter 2:17

Also, please consider these verses:

1 Corinthians 13:1-8 (a great chapter to read daily)

Ps 133:1 “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”

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