… eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3
Paul is instructing us on how to walk in a way worthy of our calling. He mentions our manner – which is to be humble, gentle, patient and loving – and our goal which is to maintain unity.
The unity mentioned here comes from the Greek henotes, meaning a oneness. It’s not just that we agree and align with one another (and often we don’t!) but that we are part of one another. We are connected.
It is of note that He doesn’t tell us to become unified – but rather suggests we already are. Maintain it. And if we walk in the fruit of the Spirit, we will keep it. The Spirit is Who binds us together, Who makes us one.
Unity brings peace, or shalom. This type of peace is a wholeness, a completeness; really a state of being of how things should be. In that sense, unity and peace are closely connected. Unity brings peace and peace brings unity – and the Holy Spirit supplies them both and it binds us together. And one day we will experience that wholeness together in the perfection for which He created us.
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3
