Day 1 - Lord's Day - Sunday - Connect the Testaments: A One-Year Daily Devotional with Bible Reading Plan - Logos

 November 28: The Unity of Believers

2 Kings 20:1–21:26; Ephesians 4:1–32; Proverbs 8:27–36

It's easy to sort believers in a community based on the quantity of their service. Most of us could roll out the masking tape and divide those who contribute their time and efforts from those who don't. If we're honest, the topic itself easily divides us—it makes us feel used, overtasked, and resentful. But that's not the picture of the unity of purpose that Paul presents in Ephesians. He describes the church as a body—one in which "every single part" is needed for the growth of the whole.

"But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow into him with reference to all things, who is the head, Christ, from whom the whole body, joined together and held together by every supporting ligament, according to the working by the measure of each single part, the growth of the body makes for the building up of itself in love" (Eph 4:15–16).

We are each given unique abilities for the growth of the body, and "every single part" is necessary to grow the body of Christ. God gives gifts to each supporting ligament—each person—to build up the community. But it is Christ who joins and holds the church together.

Because of Christ's unifying role, an essential aspect of growth as a community and as individuals includes speaking the truth in love—helping others grow to spiritual maturity in the gospel's validity. Instead of chiding, we can remind others of God's goodness to them through Christ. Instead of further ostracizing them, we can invite them in by speaking the truth with love, realizing that God has blessed them with special abilities that will soon be learned.

How can you use your gifts to serve your community? How can you lovingly help others recognize theirs?

Rebecca Van Noord

 Barry, John D., and Rebecca Kruyswijk. Connect the Testaments: A One-Year Daily Devotional with Bible Reading Plan. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012. Print.