Attaining Unity Through Peace (Day Twenty-Six)

It's easy to get defensive and try and protect oneself when others nit-pick your actions or opinions. Never wanting a marred reputation, a wrong impression, or someone's view of us to be shattered, all too quickly in a panic we can plead and argue our case. This is especially true when it comes to our motives being called into question.

When people criticize you for your actions - that's one thing, but when they start to analyze what's on the inside - that's when it's even harder to accept. It's something we all need work on because even though these are normal feelings and reactions to have, it's how we deal with them that counts.

Are we responding with humility and gentleness? Do we allow God to be our judge and jury in these times or do we tend to take matters into our own hands? Can you receive slander, jealousy, unfair treatment, or criticism without bitterness or complaining, realizing that God knows your heart and the motives behind your actions? When we are defensive at an unhealthy level (arguing, being the one that has to "be right"...), that causes division which is contrary to having peace and unity with one another. 

“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 in peace.” Ephesians 4:2-3

Throughout history we see evidence of our world being divided and filled with no peace, no real LOVE, and no unity. This is still true to this day, but this is not God's intention. As the body of Christ, we should bear evidence to this fragmented world that we are joined together in loving unity. They should be able to look within our walls and see many members (Romans 12:4-5) working together as one. If all they stumble upon is dissension, hostility, division, and separation...how will they see true love manifested in our very lives?

Bond in Greek Lexicon is the word "Sundesmos" which means: that which binds together, a band, bond of ligaments by which the members of the human body are united together; that which is bound together, a bundle.

Peace is the binding element that will maintain the unity the Holy Spirit has produced. We must break down those great divides that prevent us from achieving and maintaining unity with one another, and in doing Christ will be rightly manifested to the world.

As we are reminded in John 14:7 "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you" (NKJV).

Love,
Ashley