In the wake of Pope Francis' passing (reported April 21, 2025), there's reflection on his efforts towards Christian unity, particularly his push for a common date for Easter (which coincided this year, April 20, 2025) and plans for joint commemoration of the Council of Nicaea anniversary in 2025. (Source: Vatican News, Religion Media Centre, published April 23-24, 2025)
Sometimes, when we see leaders trying to bridge gaps, whether it's agreeing on a date for Easter or finding common ground in remembering history like the Council of Nicaea, it reminds us of a longing God Himself placed within us. It’s a longing not just for agreement, but for genuine connection, for family, for belonging to something bigger than ourselves. The divisions we see in the world, and sometimes sadly even within the Church, can feel so contrary to that deep desire. It makes you wonder, doesn't it, what God truly intends for His people?
The Apostle Paul, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, spoke directly to this. Listen to what he urged the believers in Ephesus, and by extension, us today:
Ephesians 4:3-6 (NIV)
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
Now, Paul wrote this letter likely while imprisoned, pouring his heart out to a church community he loved dearly. He wasn't just giving them rules; he was painting a picture of what it looks like when God's Spirit truly works among His people. He’s reminding them (and us!) that the unity we're called to isn't something we create from scratch, but something the Spirit already establishes, which we must then diligently guard and maintain through peace.
Think about that phrase: "Make every effort." It implies that unity isn't always easy. It takes work. It requires humility, patience, forgiveness, and choosing peace over being right sometimes. We live in a world that often thrives on division, on highlighting differences, on building walls. But God calls us to be bridge-builders, peacemakers, those who strive to reflect the unity that already exists in Him – one Body, one Spirit, one Hope, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father over us all.
Seeing efforts towards unity, like those Pope Francis championed, can be encouraging signs. They are human attempts to reflect a divine reality. But Paul points us deeper. True, lasting unity isn't just about agreeing on calendars or issuing joint statements, as helpful as those might be. It's about being bound together by the Holy Spirit, centered on the core truths of our faith in Jesus Christ. It’s recognizing that despite our different backgrounds, traditions, or ways of worship, if we belong to Christ, we belong to each other. We are family.
This doesn't mean we pretend differences don't exist or that all theological points are unimportant. But it does mean we major on the majors. We focus on the foundational truths that unite us: Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, the authority of God's Word, the hope we have in His resurrection. It means seeing fellow believers, even those in different denominations, not as competitors or strangers, but as brothers and sisters in the same family, under the same Father.
How can we "make every effort" today? Maybe it starts small. It might mean praying for Christians in different traditions, speaking respectfully about other believers, seeking understanding rather than emphasizing disagreement, or finding common ground to serve our communities together. It's about asking the Holy Spirit to give us His eyes to see other Christians, and His heart to love them, fostering peace wherever we can. When the world sees believers loving one another despite their differences, it's a powerful testimony to the unifying love of our God. It shows them there's a different way to live, a unity that transcends human divisions, found only in Jesus.
Let's pray together:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your incredible design for Your Church – one body, united by Your Spirit. Forgive us for the times we have contributed to division, focused on our differences, or failed to love our brothers and sisters in Christ. Fill us with Your Spirit of peace. Help us to make every effort to maintain the unity You have given us, focusing on our shared Lord, faith, and hope. May our love for one another be a compelling witness to a watching world, drawing others to You. Thank You for being the God who is over all, through all, and in all. Amen.
Keep seeking Him, friend. He desires His children to walk together in peace.
God bless,
Pastor Blake (made using DevotionFromNews chatbot)
Footnote: Please remember to check the news source for the latest updates, as situations can change rapidly. It's also always wise to compare different Bible translations for a fuller understanding of the passage.