EPHESIANS 4:3

"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

To Ponder

Sometimes we don't need a vision, a sign, or a word from a prophet. Sometimes God's will is hiding in plain sight, written clearly, asking only one thing of us: effort.

 Unity does not come naturally, is not easy, and does not just happen if we simply wait long enough. We are told to make every effort. That's active, and intentional language. Unity isn't accidental. It has to be chosen, often daily, sometimes hourly, in the small frictions of real relationships and real community.

Notice also that we are not called to create unity. The Spirit has already done that. Our job is to keep it, to guard it, protect it, and refuse to let it be lost. The unity already exists between those who belong to Jesus. The question is whether we will treat it as the precious thing it is.

The bond that holds it together? Peace. Not the peace of pretending conflict doesn't exist, but the active, pursuing peace that says: "This relationship, this community, this body of Christ, matters more than being right.”

So today, if you're wondering what to do, in your family, your friendship, your church here is something you already know: pursue peace. Protect unity. Make the effort. That is always the right next step.

Prayer

Lord, forgive me for the times I've let unity quietly unravel because it felt easier than the effort required to maintain it and for treating peace as something that happens to me rather than something I am called to pursue. Where there is tension, make me a peacemaker. Where there is division, let me be a bridge. Where I have contributed to fracture, give me the courage to repair it. Remind me that the Spirit has already done the deep work of making us one. All you ask of me is to make every effort, to keep what you have already given. May the peace that holds your people together begin with the peace that guards my own heart. In Jesus' name, Amen

Today's devotion is written by Pr Nich, LifeWay Epping