Sunday, January 19, 2014
Ephesians 4:1-16
In the first three chapters of the book of Ephesians, Paul talks about ministry to the Gentiles and the attitudes for maintaining unity: humility, gentleness, patience, and endeavour. In this passage, the focus is on our Oneness with God: one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one hope, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all. Together, these seven elements constitute the unity of the Spirit that all Christians should keep in the bond of peace. The unity of the Spirit is satisfied in the Oneness – Oneness of the Jews and the Gentiles, and Oneness of God and humankind.
Often times we 'speak the truth in love' only to use it as an opportunity to discipline, to stifle, and to conform others rather than embracing it as an invitation to show our compassion. To mature in unity means to love like Christ - a love that is disinterested and seeks not our own desires but the good of others; a love bestowed by Grace that fosters full recognition and acceptance of the persons as they are. God has given each one of us gifts to minister God’s church, but we cannot attain to the whole measure of Christ until we are free to experience Grace and grow to be who we are. Unity is both a gift and a duty, and it is in receiving God’s grace in our wholeness that we are truly equipped for the service of the Lord.
-Johanna Pak
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Johanna Pak is a student at Trinity College in Toronto.
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