The verse Ephesians 4:3 encourages believers to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. This is an important exhortation for Christians to promote harmony, avoid division, and reflect the nature of God within the body of Christ. Here are some key ways we can keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace:
Walk in Humility
Pride and arrogance often lead to disunity and strife. We are instructed in Philippians 2:3-4 to “do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Maintaining a humble attitude makes us more inclined to serve one another in love.
Bear with One Another
Because of our fallen nature, Christians will inevitably have conflicts and disagreements. Ephesians 4:2 tells us to “bear with one another in love.” When frustrations arise, we must choose to act in love, be patient, extend grace, and work through issues in a Christ-honoring manner. As Romans 15:7 says, “Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”
Forgive One Another
Unforgiveness and bitterness can quickly divide people. But Scripture says in Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” We have been lavishly forgiven by Christ, so we must extend that same grace to others, even when it’s difficult. This releases past hurts and allows relationships to be restored.
Speak the Truth in Love
Honesty is important, but the way we communicate truth matters. Ephesians 4:15 encourages us to “speak the truth in love.” correction or rebuke should be done graciously and with the goal of building others up, not putting them down. This fosters an environment where people feel safe sharing transparently and working through issues.
Seek Unity, Not Uniformity
Within the body of Christ there will be diversity in spiritual gifts, callings, perspectives, and more. We must appreciate our differences while affirming the core doctrines we share in common through the power of the Holy Spirit. As 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 states, “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.”
Focus on Christ Above All
Most fundamentally, we must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus Christ as the head of the Church. He is the Cornerstone that holds us together, and the example we must follow. When disputes arise within the body, we must ask ourselves “What would Jesus do?” and aim to have the mind of Christ in the situation (1 Corinthians 2:16). If Christ is at the center of all we do, unity will follow.
Pursue Spiritual Unity
While organizational unity has value, our chief aim should be unity in Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. As Ephesians 4:3 reminds us, we must endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit. This spiritual unity transcends worldly divisions and brings true fellowship and love for one another. We must be diligent to let the mind of the Spirit, not the flesh, reign in our relationships.
Engage in Spiritual Practices Together
Shared spiritual practices such as prayer, worship, communion, serving together, and studying Scripture are powerful tools for uniting Christians in the Spirit. As we experience God’s presence among us and see His Word at work, it builds deeper bonds between believers. We begin to see each other as brothers and sisters in Christ first and foremost.
Cultivate Shared Mission
Working together toward God-given vision and goals helps unify the body of Christ. As Christians lock arms in shared mission and purpose for God’s Kingdom, it gives great meaning to their fellowship. They can put aside petty differences to see bigger picture advancements for the Gospel of Jesus.
Value Others Above Your Preferences
Often division is caused by insisting on personal preferences over the needs of others. Scripture exhorts us to look out for the interests of others and their wellbeing above our own desires. Within the body, we must be willing to sacrifice to ensure that we do not cause harm to each other, especially to new or weak believers who may be adversely affected by our freedom. (1 Corinthians 8:9)
Allow for Freedom in Nonessentials
Not every doctrine or practice is essential for Christian unity and fellowship. We can still walk in unity amid diversity on a host of secondary issues not directly addressed in Scripture. Let us discern what core truths are non-negotiable, but allow freedom in matters of personal conviction, always acting in love. (Romans 14:1)
Strive for Racial Reconciliation
One of the biggest divisions in the church today is racial divides. Scripture makes clear that Christ has broken down the barriers between Jew and Gentile, and calls us to be reconciled with those who are ethnically or culturally different from us (Galatians 3:28, Ephesians 2:14-22). We must proactively heal wounds of racism and bias within the body.
Value Oneness in Christ Above All
Whatever differences may exist between believers, we must remember that our shared identity in Christ supersedes everything else. We are first and foremost citizens of God’s Kingdom, children of the Heavenly Father, members of Christ’s body through the Spirit. This spiritual unity is unshakeable, unbreakable, and everlasting. It must be the foundation we build upon. (Galatians 3:26-29)
Be Quick to Resolve Conflict
Jesus gave instructions in Matthew 5:23-24 that if we know of a grievance someone has with us, we should go directly to them and seek to make amends. We should not let conflicts fester and grow, but have the humility and courage to name issues openly and work for a “win-win” resolution in a timely manner. This will maintain bonds of peace.
Be Patient with One Another
Change takes time. Growing in unity and maturity as believers is a process. We must allow room for the sanctification of our relationships, not expecting perfection. As 1 Thessalonians 5:14 instructs, “be patient toward all.” With an attitude of grace and hope, progress can be made if we do not give up on one another.
Pray and Work for Greater Unity
Unity takes continual effort and engagement. Jesus prayed for oneness among believers, and we must follow His example. As we pray for unity, we must also actively build connections across divides, have hard conversations in love, and labor to expand our hearts and minds to those different than us for the greater glory of God.
The call to “keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3) is fundamental to the health and witness of the church. As we grow in Christ-like humility, grace, and love for all believers, we shine as one body united in Jesus Christ to the world. May we all earnestly pray and work toward greater unity for the advancement of the Gospel both now and forevermore.