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. But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.” (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
—Ephesians 4:1-16

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The Seven Strands of Unity
By Jennifer Kane

Called to walk as one,
Bound in love and truth, we grow—
Peace, our holy thread.

Many hearts, one frame,
Joined in Christ, we rise and serve—
Hands and feet, the same.

Spirit-breath within,
Moving gently through each soul—
God in unity.

Hope beyond the grave,
Anchored deep in promised skies—
Certain, bright, and brave.

Jesus, King and friend,
Lamb and Shepherd, strong and true—
Our beginning, end.

Faith, a flame passed down,
From the cross to every heart—
Unshaken we stand.

Buried, raised anew,
Marked with water, sealed by grace—
One name, one rescue.

Father over all,
In each breath and every place—
Still, He calls us home.

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Scripture.: Ephesians 4:1-16

Paul begins this section of his letter not with a command to strive or achieve, but a call to walk worthy of the calling we’ve already received. This calling isn’t based on our merit, but on God’s grace—He has rescued us, redeemed us, and welcomed us into His family. Now, we’re called to live like it.

Unity doesn’t begin with others—it begins with how we walk. Our daily lives should reflect the goodness, holiness, and love of the One who called us.

Am I living in a way that reflects my identity in Christ?

Unity in the church isn’t built on sameness or agreement in everything—it’s built on the fruit of the Spirit lived out in our relationships. Paul gives us the essential attitudes that protect unity:

Humility – laying down pride and ego.
Gentleness – being tender in how we respond.
Patience – bearing with others, even when it’s hard.
Love – the glue that binds us in peace.

These traits don’t come naturally—they’re cultivated by walking closely with Jesus. Unity isn’t effortless; it requires intention: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit.”

Is there someone I need to approach with more gentleness, patience, or love?

Paul lifts our eyes to what unites us:
One body (the church)
One Spirit (who dwells within us)
One hope (eternal life)
One Lord (Jesus)
One faith (in the gospel)
One baptism (into His name)
One God and Father (over all, in all, and through all)

We may differ in background, opinion, culture, and experience—but these seven realities are our shared spiritual DNA. They’re not negotiable. And they are more powerful than anything that could divide us.

Am I focusing more on what divides us, or what unites us?

Jesus doesn’t just call us to unity—He equips us for it. He has given every believer a gift. Some are called to leadership—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—but all are called to build up the body.

Your gift isn’t for your spotlight—it’s for our strength. Comparison weakens the body; contribution strengthens it.

Am I using my gifts to serve and strengthen others?

Unity is not the end goal—maturity in Christ is. We’re meant to grow up into Him, becoming more like Jesus together. And we get there by:
Speaking the truth in love
Staying grounded in sound teaching
Supporting one another like a healthy body

When every part of the body is working properly—each person doing their part, guided by truth, rooted in love—the church grows into the beautiful, Christ-centered community God designed it to be.

How can I build others up in truth and love this week?

Think of one person in your church or fellowship group. Pray for them today. Then, reach out—send a kind message, offer encouragement, or ask how you can support them. Let unity start with your love in action.

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Lord Jesus, thank You for calling me into Your body, the church. Help me walk in a way that honors You—showing humility, gentleness, and patience. Keep me rooted in love and eager to preserve the unity You’ve given us. Show me how to use my gifts to serve others, and help me grow with my brothers and sisters into Your likeness. Make us one, Lord—not just in word, but in Spirit and in truth. Amen.

July 17, 2025