We are to walk “bearing with one another in love” (Eph. 4:2). The believer is to be “patient and kind,” and one who “rejoices with the truth” and “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Cor. 13:4, 6-7). The believer isn’t to “envy or boast,” or be “arrogant or rude,” or “insist on [our] own way,” or be “irritable or resentful,” or “rejoice at wrongdoing” (vv. 4-6). Within the household of God we will need to overlook many offenses. We will need to believe the best about each other. We will need to keep an eternal perspective.

Christian unity can often seem difficult to achieve. Whether it’s between Christian friends, couples, or churches, there can often seem to be more discord than unity. But the Bible tells us that Christians are united because of our union with Christ. Therefore, believers should strive to display their positional unity in practical ways. Instead of being divided, we should be in fellowship with one another. As we unite around essential truths of the Christian faith, our love is a witness to the watching world that we are God’s people. Ephesians 4:1-6 teaches us the foundation of Christian unity.

After discussing doctrine in the first half of his letter to the church in Ephesus, Paul exhorts believers toward Christian living that is doxological. In light of who we are in Christ, we are “to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called” (Eph. 4:1). Walking worthy of God’s call would be impossible without the Spirit of God, who not only calls God’s people, but also conforms us to the image of Christ.

Paul uses four phrases to describe what it means to live in a way that honors the Lord, and is an important part of the foundation of Christian unity. First, we are to walk “with all humility and gentleness” (Eph. 4:2). These two qualities go together and are perfectly exemplified by Christ. Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matt. 11:29). He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death on the cross (Phil. 2:8). Is this how others would describe you? When they leave your presence or are under your leadership, do they find rest for their souls? Do you humble yourself in obedience to the Lord, saying, “Thy will be done,” or do you say, “My will be done?”

Second, we are to walk “with patience” (Eph. 4:2). Think of Paul’s life. He hated the church of Christ; indeed, because he persecuted the church, he persecuted Christ (Acts 9:4). But Christ bore with him patiently.

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