“Being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3).
Unity among believers is both the desire of God and the gift of God. It was made possible by the death of Christ (Eph. 2:14ff), and is made effective by the Spirit of God. Thus we have no excuse when there is a lack of unity. Our only recourse is to repent and allow God to restore unity.
Notice that while we cannot produce unity, we must preserve unity. The translation “being diligent” is not really strong enough. The Greek word connotes the idea of zeal. The NEB gets at this idea by translating it as “spare no effort.” We must give unity our utmost concern and thus our utmost effort.
This unity of the Spirit must be maintained in the “bond of peace.” Our unity is not a stand-off nor a truce, but true reconciliation. Paul states it this way in the companion letter Colossians. “Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity” (Col 3:14).
Have you put on love? Are you at peace with everyone in church? What are you willing to do? Are you willing to “spare no effort?”
Prayer: Father, I confess that sometimes I give up too easily when it comes to maintaining unity. Forgive me. Amen.