Walk in Unity

WALK IN UNITY

“Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” (Ephesians 4:2)(NIV)

Making allowance for someone else is one of those big challenges I have. How about you? I must exercise my will to be subject to the leading of the Spirit, morning and evening, in order to keep the old nature in check. How about YOU?

This letter to the saints who are in Ephesus would be challenged too. I think Paul struggled with it so he shared what the Spirit prompted him to write, “making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” (Ephesians 4:2).

Chapter four begins the practical section of Ephesians. “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling YOU have received.” (my emphasis) The introduction serves as a bridge connecting all the Apostle Paul had written up to this point. Chapters 1, 2, 3 are theological – now Chapter four begins the practical application. Crossing the bridge from analysis to action, therefore from theology to morality, and from Christian PISTIS (Greek for faith) to Christian ZOES (Greek for life).

Worthy, the Greek word AXIOS is an adverb which refers to SCALES meaning “bringing into equilibrium.” The idea of one thing being the equivalent of another thing. In other words, a Christian’s lifestyle – your practice each day is equivalent to your professional practice in the world.

Paul begins the transition from theology to practice that the reader/listener of this Epistle will be doing what the whole book of Ephesians tells him to do – the ZOES/the life lived worthy – is a balance. A balance that when the Lord directs, is a Spirit filled ZOE! A Christ follower who is led by the Spirit . . . is effective through making allowances for others seeing others more important than self which is called humility. Caring through gentleness, consistent in waiting and reflective by giving away Christ like love is practical faith in action. These are the bridges to walk in unity with God and others. Make the extra effort today to be patient with others in the unity of faith.

In Christ,
Pastor David