Peace and Unity

Our bodies are one, but sometimes one part of our body can inflict a lot of pain. We have a sore head, or an upset stomach or a nasty cought which disturbs our peace.

When it comes to the church. Jesus has not simply made us one, but he has brought all the parts of the body to live in perfect peace. To work in harmony, not simply to exist alongside each other. And he did so at great personal cost.

For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

Ephesians 2:14-18

This is a rich passage, which clearly declares our peace and unity is found only in and thorough Jesus Christ. He is the one who took down the dividing wall. He didn't bring us together simply by knocking a wall through - no, the wall came down because he has reconciled us both to God, through the cross.

We know peace with each other, because we know peace with God.

We are no longer enemies with each other, because we are no longer at war with God.

I read this recently, unfortunately I cannot remember where. "Christ did not win by shedding his enemies blood but his own." The war is over without a drop of the enemies blood being spilled. He has brought our peace and unity with each other about, by shedding his own blood.

How shameful it is when we neglect this peace, and speak ill , metaphorically shedding the blood of our brother or sister in Christ!

What attitudes do you need to repent of today?

Where do you need to actively work for the peace which Christ has already won for us?