Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called ...
—Ephesians 4:3-4 NIV
I love the Greek word Paul uses for "make every effort" — try to say it, "spoudazow"; it even sounds passionate! Why is "every effort" so necessary? Well, there are many reasons, but the one that the Holy Spirit wants us to recognize from this passage is this: We all share in the same Holy Spirit, who is spiritual DNA that connects us together. The Holy Spirit is at work to create the unity and harmony necessary to help us function together as the bodily presence of Jesus in our world. For that to happen, there needs to be a unity that includes peace. A body can't function when it attacks itself or won't communicate among its different parts. So we must all, individually and collectively, "make every effort" to preserve what the Holy Spirit has built and is working to hold together. To do less is to rebel against the work of God!
Father, thank you for brothers and sisters in the Spirit who are as close, and sometimes closer, than blood relatives. Please work on my heart to value the unity the Spirit has established and to work hard to keep that unity so we may display the character and compassion of Jesus to those around us. In Jesus' holy name, I ask for this grace. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
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—Ephesians 4:3-4 NIV
Key Thought
I love the Greek word Paul uses for "make every effort" — try to say it, "spoudazow"; it even sounds passionate! Why is "every effort" so necessary? Well, there are many reasons, but the one that the Holy Spirit wants us to recognize from this passage is this: We all share in the same Holy Spirit, who is spiritual DNA that connects us together. The Holy Spirit is at work to create the unity and harmony necessary to help us function together as the bodily presence of Jesus in our world. For that to happen, there needs to be a unity that includes peace. A body can't function when it attacks itself or won't communicate among its different parts. So we must all, individually and collectively, "make every effort" to preserve what the Holy Spirit has built and is working to hold together. To do less is to rebel against the work of God!
Today's Prayer
Father, thank you for brothers and sisters in the Spirit who are as close, and sometimes closer, than blood relatives. Please work on my heart to value the unity the Spirit has established and to work hard to keep that unity so we may display the character and compassion of Jesus to those around us. In Jesus' holy name, I ask for this grace. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Continue reading...
