Introduction: In this passage Paul tells the believer that we are to be “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”. To endeavor requires effort. Our unity is found in our common faith, in Jesus Christ. In contrast, the devil wants to divide by offences, pride, gossip, jealousy, arguments, and unforgiveness.
To keep the unity of the Spirit, we must:
1. Have the right Attitude- Vs2 This is the way we should deal with other Christians if we are to have unity with one another. If we each do our part, we will all endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit.
Attitude of Lowliness- Free from pride, humility, humbleness. Not thinking we’re better than others. Philippians 2:3. Luke 18:10-14 This is the difference between exalted and humility.
Attitude of Meekness- Soft of temper, mildness, gentleness. Responding in a godly way rather than reacting according to our flesh. Matthew 11:28-29 our greatest example Jesus Christ said to learn of Him, because He is meek and lowly in heart.
Attitude of Longsuffering- To be patient especially when people disappoint, irritate, or hurt us. Galatians 5:16-17 The key is to walk in the Spirit. If we walk in the flesh and are provoked, we will not be very longsuffering with anyone.
Attitude of Forbearing- Making room for the weaknesses and imperfection of others. I Thessalonians 5:14. Don’t just be patient with some and not with others.
If God has extended grace and patience toward us, we should be willing to extend grace and patience toward others.
2. Love one Another vs 2- “forbearing one another in love”. The key in unity is love. I Corinthians 13:4 “Charity suffereth long”. I John 4:7 Loving one another keeps the unity because: Vs 7 Love is of God; Vs 11 Love shows Christ’s ultimate example; Vs 12 Love is perfected- it keeps getting better and better the more we love.
3. Keep the Peace- Vs 3- notice, the unity stays bonded (together) with peace. Turmoil divides, but peace unites. Strife, divisions, hatred, bitterness, unforgiveness, and envy are somethings that will not keep the peace. God wants peace in the home and with other Christians. Romans 12:18 “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men”. Sometimes it’s up to you to keep the peace, and not to push someone. Psalm 34:14 We have to seek peace, it’s like looking for something that you’ve lost, you keep looking for it until you find it. Psalm 133:1 “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity”. To have peace with one another is always good and pleasant. People want to be around other people that are peaceful.
4. Have the same Faith- Vs 4-5 In order to have unity, there are things regarding our faith that we should not compromise in: One body- Jesus Christ. I Corinthains 12:12 “for as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ”. One Spirit- the Holy Ghost. 2 Ephesians 2:18, II Corinthains 11:4; One Hope- This is the hope of eternal life- Titus 1:2. One Lord- Matthew 7:21 “not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven”. These had a different lord. Salvation is Christ alone, grace alone and faith alone.
5. Extend to others the Grace given to us- Vs 7 Grace is not getting what we deserve. Because we are a sinner saved by grace, we are going to mess up. However, there are some Christians that forget how graceful God is with them and they don’t extend that grace to others when they mess up. Ephesians 3:8 “Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ”.
If we are going to keep the unity of the Spirit, we too must extend them the grace that was extended to us.
Conclusion: As we have seen, by having the right attitude, loving one another, keeping the peace, having the same faith, and extending the grace given to us, we are able to keep the unity of the Spirit.
Anchor Baptist Church 