Ephesians 4:1-6
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:1-6 (NIV)
Paul, in writing to the Ephesians, is reminding them that they are unified in their belief in Christ, whether Jews or Gentiles. He's been on house arrest for two years. I can only imagine how urgently he wants to be out among the people, sharing the love of Jesus but instead of focusing on his own situation, he is encouraging His followers to live in unity with humility and kindness toward others.
I have been getting a lot of Bible verses that remind me that division isn't a new thing that we here in 2025 have just invented. We are more polarized than I can remember ever being in years past. In the words of St. Theresa, we can only help the one in front of us. We can only be kind to each person we meet. We can only be gentle and patient with each person in our lives. Maybe by doing so, we will create the love for each other that Jesus showed.
Paul reminds us that we are one body; one Spirit; one hope for a unified and loving world. We are commanded to love God and our neighbors as ourselves. My daughter and son-in-law have a sign in their yard that says "Love Your Neighbor" in five different languages. Such a great reminder of exactly who our neighbors are.
Questions for Reflection:
- How can we take action to love the neighbors that we most struggle to love?
- What can we do to create a community that is welcoming to all people?
Prayer:
Oh Jesus, it must make you sad to see how we have created separation from others in our world. Please forgive us for our shortcomings. Create in us a clean and loving heart. Help us to see others as you did when you were here among us. You have the power to change us from the inside out. Thank you for sending your word through Paul and help us to "keep the spirit of unity through the bond of peace". In your mighty name we pray. Amen.
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