Ephesians: How to Love Like JesusSample

Devotional:

Unity. It’s an ideal that many sports coaches and business lecturers refer to as an integral part of building successful teams. But long before we had professional rugby or Australian universities, Paul used unity to refer to the body of Christ. As we enter the second half of Ephesians, and Paul begins to teach the church how to live for Jesus, his first focus is unity. Paul urges the Christians in Ephesus to “live a life worthy of the calling you have received,” — the calling to follow Jesus. In this passage, Paul explains how humility, gentleness, patience, and loving one another can help us to live in the “unity of the Spirit;” that is unity under God. 

Questions:

1. Count how many times Paul uses the word ‘one’ in this passage. Why do you think he places such an emphasis on the concept of ‘one’?
2. What is the value of unity in the church? Why does Paul place such value on being unified in peace?
3. Where do you see unity in your life? Where do you see a lack of unity? How can you grow unity, through Christ’s love, in your community?

Prayer:

Lord, thank you that we are never alone in faith. As the church faces many challenges, and we each individually walk in faith, I pray we will be unified as Your children. Help me to seek unity in my community, and be graceful where I have disagreements with others. Help me to love well. Amen.