Ephesians 4:1-6
1 “Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you also were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.”
Verse 1: Having established who we are in Christ, Paul addresses behavior. Paul wants the Ephesian believers to live lives in alignment with their new natures in Christ.
Verse 2: Paul instructs the believers to demonstrate humility, gentleness, patience, and love towards one another. These qualities reflect the character of Christ and foster unity and harmony within the body of believers. This behavior is also compatible with the new natures that all Christians have.
Verse 3: Paul emphasizes the importance of maintaining the unity of the Spirit among believers. This unity is not achieved through human effort but is a result of the work of the Holy Spirit. Believers are called to actively pursue peace and harmony, allowing the Spirit to work in and through them.
Verse 4: Paul highlights the oneness of the body of Christ and the unity brought about by the Holy Spirit. Believers are called to share in the same hope and purpose, which is found in Christ alone.
Verse 5: Paul emphasizes the essential unity found in the Lord Jesus Christ. There is one Lord, one faith, and one baptism that unites all believers. This unity is not based on external rituals or religious practices but on the shared faith in Christ.