“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.”
Ephesians 4:2-4 NLT
The words that jumped out at me as I read this were, “Make every effort…” Staying united in the Spirit, binding ourselves together with peace doesn’t just happen by chance, it takes real effort, which is defined as a conscious exertion, a vigorous and determined attempt. Patience and gentleness and overlooking other people’s faults doesn’t come easily, much more tempting to back off from people. But this is what we use to fight indifference, we make every effort to be present, to get involved, to practice love in action, this is what binds us together and keeps us united. Our motivation? Being part of the body of Christ here on the earth and the glorious hope for the future that we have all been called to. Lord, save us from half-heartedness, give us the strength we need to make every effort, help us to keep our eyes on You today. Amen 👆🏼❤️