The things that unite Christians should be stronger than those that divide them. Christians often differ about church organization, rites of worship, and minor points of theology.
However, Paul entreated the Ephesians to walk in a manner that is worthy of their calling in Christ. Before describing the things that united the church, he told them the attitude they need to exhibit -- humility.
They needed to demonstrate lowliness, gentleness, long-suffering, and bearing with one another in love. Without humility, unity is impossible. The body is made up of all who have put their trust in Christ, not denominational labels.
The church is under the leadership of the Holy Spirit who sealed each believer at their conversion (Eph. 1:13). The church has one hope. Paul described this hope as the calling to a great inheritance as children of God (Eph. 1:18).
The church has one Lord in Jesus, one faith as they put their trust in Him, and one baptism, which could refer to water baptism, Spirit baptism or both (1 Cor. 12:13). The force that unites the church is one God.
All these factors working together unites the church, bringing together all of its members. The Bible is filled with passages urging the church, the believers, to take action to show their unity in Jesus Christ. (Rom. 12:16; Eph. 4:11-13; Col. 3:13; 1 Pet.3:8)
Amen!
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