Make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:3 (EHV)
One of the most amazing aspects of the finished work of the Cross is that we are all transformed into one new man in Christ (Ephesians 2:15). We are intimately woven together and joined to each other by the perfect love Himself. If we have ever divided ourselves based on class, ethnicity, age, or gender, we have not fully embraced and experienced the gospel.
Our oneness in Christ is the basis for both unity and diversity.
To put it another way, we do not need to create unity because it already exists among all followers of Christ. We simply need to express and celebrate our oneness with other believers as God transforms us into the image of His Son. This provides us a divine advantage in overcoming envy, offence, and rejection because God has chosen and adopted us all into His new creation family.
Being secure in who we are and what we have in Christ enables us to love with an open heart and hands. Some will take advantage of us. Some will disappoint us. Some will even walk away. Whatever happened or did not happen, we as a community of believers must safeguard this beautiful God-given gift of unity, even if others do not defend or want to destroy it.
The “bond of peace” is what holds our unity together.
Jesus tells us, “Blessed are the peacemaker, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:7) A blessing awaits us when we work peace into broken hearts and wounded souls. When we learn to radiate Christ's peace unconditionally, we create an endless ripple effect of love, joy, and kindness.