DEVOTION – DAY 489

Ephesians 4:2-3 “United In Christ” 

Ephesians 4:2-3 “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.”

The apostle Paul in his letter to the Ephesians wanted to tell everyone the importance of unity and maturity now that they were Christians. God had brought people from all walks of life, whether they were Jews on Non-Jews, into a new relationship in Christ and they are now part of His Church – the people of God. Thus, they were called to be united and exhibit maturity. Maturity in Christ means being completely humble and gentle, being patient and bearing with one another in love. Since God had reconciled them all through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Christians are called to remain united. 

A couple was facing marital challenges. They had demanding careers and children. There was pressure to maintain a certain lifestyle. They were drifting apart. Each thought the other spouse was not investing in their relationship as a couple. When they argue, both thought they were right and the other spouse was the one who was in the wrong. They expected each other to apologize first, but in the end, no apology was forthcoming. In its place was resentment and dissatisfaction. They had forgotten to be humble, gentle and patient with each other. They had forgotten that love does not keep a record of wrongs. Instead, they kept perceived wrongs in their hearts only to lash out at each other whenever they quarreled. 

In the end, their marital problems became so great that they decided to end their marriage. They divorced and the wife won custody of their children. What started out as a happy family ended in brokenness and discord. The couple had allowed their differences to drive a wedge in their relationships. They should have focused on what had united them in the first place, their common bond in Christ, their mutual interests and their faith. Instead, they allow their different expectations, and characters to come between them and their relationship with each other. Their experience serves as a good reminder to Christians the importance of unity and love in their relationships with each other.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we give you praise for you are Gentle, Patient, Caring and Loving all the time. Please help us to remain united, gentle, humble, patient, loving and kind to each other. We humbly pray in the mighty name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions 

1. In what ways have you been humble, gentle, patient, kind and united to others recently?
2. How has this helped you in your relationships with others?
3. How had impatience, insisting on your rights and pride caused you to have broken relationships in the past? Share.
4. What must you do to remain united with others you serve alongside with in church, and also in your relationships with others in your family?