Our scripture this morning is Ephesians 4:2-6.
Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.
We have likely heard the familiar verse “iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17), teaching that being together in faith makes us all better disciples. This is “being united in the Spirit” as Paul puts it here. He emphasizes that while we are individuals, we are blessed when we work together for God’s kingdom.
I once heard a lesson about how our unity in the Spirit is like the steel making process. A variety of different materials are brought together to make a substance stronger than any of them alone. This is how our diversity creates a stronger faith. God uses our individual gifts collectively.
Paul calls us to make “allowance for each other’s faults”, knowing we all have issues that affect us. We must get past these differences to be effective in ministry, knowing the strength that our individual gifts provide. Together with God and one another, we can make a difference in the world and in eternity.
Gracious God, You made us all in Your image but You also made us each unique. Help us to see Your light in each of Your children and work together that all may come to You. Amen.
