Ephesians 4:4–6
One Foundation
As Paul continues his call for believers to “walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called” (Ephesians 4:1), he turns their attention to something they already share.
In verses 4–6, the word “one” appears again and again: “one body,” “one Spirit,” “one hope,” “one Lord,” “one faith,” “one baptism,” and “one God and Father of all.”
Paul wants believers to think about these things because they are bigger than the differences that often get our attention.
Every true believer belongs to the same body. Every real believer has received the same Spirit. Every sincere believer looks forward to the same hope and follows the same Lord.
In Our Churches
We can see why this matters when we think about church life.
People in a church may come from different backgrounds. They may have different personalities, preferences, and experiences. Sometimes misunderstandings happen. Sometimes people disagree about matters that aren't so critical.
Yet we can gather around the same Saviour.
When we keep that in mind, it becomes easier to be patient, listen carefully, and show grace to one another.
Beyond Our Own Congregation
Paul is thinking about more than one local church.
Around the world, believers worship in different places, speak different languages, and live under very different circumstances. Still, they belong to the same family of God.
Paul also mentions “one faith.” Christians are joined together by the truth God has given them. The unity described here grows from a shared faith in Christ and the gospel.
Walking Together
People naturally separate into groups. Paul points believers in another direction. He wants them to remember what they share in Christ.
As you go through your day, is there a fellow believer you can view a little differently when you remember that you belong to the same family of God?
