#1440. Keep the unity of the Spirit (28/1/26)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted, at present, every weekday) as we continue our Ephesians series: Ephesians - To the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God.

From Ephesians 4:3–4, we see that unity is a gift of the Holy Spirit - and because the Spirit loves unity, we are called to be faithful in protecting and practising it.

To watch this devotional, please select the link below: 

i. The unity of the Spirit

Firstly, we see that unity is something we already have, not something we create. Paul speaks of ‘the unity of the Spirit’ - unity that the Spirit Himself has given. All true Christians share the same Holy Spirit, who unites us to Christ and to His saving victory.

This is a vital truth: we are already united to all true believers in Christ. Christian unity is not based on personality, preference, culture, or background, but on the shared life of the Spirit. Because the Spirit has united us, we are called to live in a way that reflects that reality.

ii. The bond of peace

This spiritual unity is to be worked out in real, close, and peaceful relationships. Paul calls this “the bond of peace.” Peace is the relational glue that holds unity together.

Of course, relationships bring challenges. People will disappoint us, misunderstand us, and fail to meet our expectations. If these frustrations are not handled well, they quickly damage peace. This is why unity requires effort — intentional, prayerful effort.

One vital practice for maintaining the bond of peace is forgiveness. Each time we feel offended, we are called to forgive — to hand the offence over to God rather than allowing bitterness to grow.

Another important way of maintaining loving unity is through biblical understanding of such things as are in the following terms.

iii. One body

We understand our peace and maintain our peace by the truth that God has made us  - no matter our background or identity - into ‘one body’. 

We instinctively care for our own bodies. None of us would willingly cut off a hand or foot because it is weak or injured. Instead, we nurture it back to health. In the same way, understanding that we are one body leads us to bear with one another in love, showing patience and care rather than rejection. Why do this? Because the analogy of the body teaches us that we need one another!

iv. One Spirit

Our unity is possible because the same Holy Spirit lives in every believer. He unites us to Christ and to one another.

This truth also reminds us that disunity grieves the Spirit. When we allow bitterness, division, or hostility to take root, we work against the Spirit’s work rather than with it. Maintaining unity means walking in step with the Spirit and valuing what He values.

v. One hope

Finally, Paul reminds us that we share one hope. By grace, we are all called to the same future — life with Christ in the age to come.

This shared hope should shape how we live now. The unity we will enjoy forever is meant to be reflected, however imperfectly, in the church today. Heaven is to begin breaking into earth through a people united in Christ — people from every nation, tribe, and tongue worshipping together.

If we are going to live forever together, let us learn to live together now!

Response

We are urged to ‘make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit.’ This is not easy. In a culture where people are quickly cancelled, where it is easy to walk away from churches and relationships, and where deep commitment is often avoided, these words are more necessary than ever.

The Holy Spirit gives unity, loves unity, and works through unity.So let us embrace it and make every effort to keep it, for the glory of Christ and the good of His church.

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

2. Icebreaker

Something that builds relationships and confidence to share; it’s good to regularly use this moment to ask the group: How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

On Sunday, we continued our new series entitled: Ephesians: to the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God. The title of Sunday’s message was: One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. 

Please read Ephesians 4:1-6 and discuss:

• Personal Reflection – From Sunday’s message and this passage, what stood out to you? Was there anything the Spirit particularly impressed on your heart?

• Live worthy of our calling (v.1) -  Paul, from prison, urges them to ‘live a life worthy of the calling you have received.’ What does this mean, and what does this text teach about the kind of ‘worthy’ lifestyle that we are called to? 

• Keep the unity of the Spirit (v.3) -   What is meant by the ‘unity of the Spirit’?

• One Body, one Spirit, one Hope… (v.4–6) - How are we to understand each of these ‘one…’ statements, and how do they lead to loving unity? 

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• How might today’s text encourage us or direct us in our desire to bring our community to Jesus? 

• Sharing Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing stories of how we’ve seen God at work through simple faithfulness.

• Practical Next Steps – Who might God be placing on your heart at this time? Are there any “people of peace” (see note) in your life—those who seem open, welcoming, or receptive to spiritual conversation?

Let’s Pray Together

Let’s pray for one another in light of what we’ve studied and bring any other needs before God.

• Pray for courage, wisdom, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit in our Serve, Invest, and Invite opportunities.

• Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - that God would open hearts and deepen relationships.

• Ask God to work through us by His power, so that others may come to know Christ.