Thought for the Week: Ephesians 4

Live In Unity with Humility

Because God through Christ paid
our penalty for sin and forgave us,
we have been reconciled – brought
near to Him. We are a new society,
a new family. Being united with
Christ means we are t treat one
another as family members. As we
are one family in Christ, so there
should be no barriers, no divisions,
and no basis for discrimination.
We all belong to Him, so we should
live in harmony with one another.

Lord, Unite & Bind us together:
Be patient with each other, making
allowance for each other’s faults
because of Your love (Eph 4:2).
Make every effort to keep
yourselves united in the Spirit,
binding yourselves together
with peace. For there is one body
and one Spirit, just as you have
been called to one glorious hope
for the future. There is one Lord,
one faith, one baptism, and
one God & Father (Eph 4:3-6).
Let no corrupt word proceed out
of your mouth, but what is good for
necessary edification that it may
impart grace to the hearers (v29).

Lord God who searches hearts
and minds, help me accept human
imperfection in others and myself;
for we are all sinners in Your sight.
Help us to be more patient with
each other making allowance for
each other’s faults & weaknesses.
Help us to develop a right view
of others despite their annoying
faults, poor choices and non-
saintlike conduct. Help us to pray
for serenity to accept the things
that we could not change. Amen.

Lord, Help us keep unity of Spirit
in lowliness of heart and gentleness.
Let differences in our backgrounds,
experiences and personalities,
not divide us but instead enrich us.
Help us make every effort to keep
the unity of the Spirit; to treasure it,
to protect it and even promote it.
Bind us Lord together in love for
You made us one body & one spirit.
Teach us to appreciate and love one
another and live together in peace.
Lord blest the tie that binds! Amen.

Lord, may my heart and words
be full of encouragement and
may they give grace to others.
Work Your gentleness & patience
in me so that I won’t be so quick
to respond in ways that don’t
honour You. And may the words
of my mouth and the thoughts
of my heart be pleasing to You
O Lord, my rock & redeemer. Amen.