Scripture: Ephesians 4: 3-4 (NLT)
Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.
Observation:
The scripture said, “make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit.” We need this effort because living in peace with anyone takes hard work. We can never achieve relationship goals on our own, whether in marriage, family, or church. The division is family, and churches are not caused by “bad people” but primarily by people who don’t depend on the Spirit to guide them. The scripture gave us specific examples of living in peace by uniting ourselves with the Holy Spirit. When we come together in Spirit, it is much easier to create a peaceful atmosphere. So, how do we live in harmony with spouses, siblings, family, and friends outside of the church?
Application:
First, we remember that our flesh is weak, but the Holy Spirit is vital. We have to pray about how we are feeling and what we are doing before we act. Second, we have to learn to forgive often. Forgiveness is not letting the other person get away with the wrong they have done; instead, it’s letting go of the pain they have caused and allowing your heavenly father to take care of justice. God is a just and forgiving God, and he loves each of the children the same way. He wants us to live in harmony with each other and with the world. Finally, we have to love. Genuine love comes from the core of our being; it is not a surface feeling. Real love comes with knowing that every person has a limitation, but we can love them, anyway. When your heart is hardened against another person, or it’s hard to love them. Pray for them. Pray also that God will show you how to love them.
Reflection
What steps can you take to have a peaceful relationship?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for forgiving me of my sin. Thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to live in me. Thank you for always helping me whenever I need your help. Today I pray that if there is anyone I need to forgive, you bring that person’s name to my mind and show me how I can forgive them. Help me try to live in peace with my brothers and sisters in the world. In Christ Jesus’ name, I pray.
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