January 20
"Be humble and gentle in every way. Be patient with each other and lovingly accept each other. Through the peace that ties you together, do your best to maintain the unity that the Spirit gives. There is one body and one Spirit. In the same way you were called to share one hope. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over everything, through everything, and in everything." -Ephesians 4:2-6 (GW)
To build unity is one of the Holy Spirit's vital jobs but we have to be willing to also do our part to create unity. We can do so by focusing on God, not ourselves. All Christians, no matter our denomination, belong to one body and are united under one head, Christ Jesus. (I Cor.12:12-25) Too often believers are separated because of minor doctrinal differences. Yet we all have God-given abilities that can bring unity. Your unique talents may seem small but are there to use for God. Ask Christ to reveal your special gifts so you can work to unify your community of believers. God has chosen you to be Christ's Ambassador wherever you live. Because of this, Ephesians challenges us to live lives worthy of God's calling and the amazing privilege of being God's own children. This includes being humble, gentle, patient, accepting, and peaceful. Unity doesn't just happen. We have to work for it. Differences among people can lead to division, but this shouldn't be true in the church. Instead of concentrating on what divides us, we all need to realize what unites us! Scripture says we are already unified as: one body, one Spirit, one future, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God! How do you see those different from you?
Unity doesn't mean we are identical! Our different gifts and viewpoints help the church do God's work. May we learn to enjoy ways members of Christ's body complement one another! (I Cor.4:2) No one is ever perfect, so strive to accept and love others in spite of faults. When seeing faults, may we be patient, helpful, and gentle. If there is someone whose actions or personality annoys you? Rather than dwelling on weaknesses or faults, pray for them. Let them see Christ in you! You are his Ambassador of Unity!
Prayer: God, Make me your loving Ambassador. Amen.
Meditation For The Day: Diversity with acceptance brings unity!
Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Winter Renewal Paperback – November 25, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)
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