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Read: Ephesians 4:3-6
Listen: Ephesians 4

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. Ephesians 4:4-6

Paul begins his letter to the church in Ephesus by reinforcing gospel truths about what Jesus has done and who believers are because of Jesus’s finished work. Even more, Paul establishes that this same work of Christ is to be the driving force behind believers living in unity with one another—even Jew and Gentile believers. What matters most about them is not their differences in skin color, race, family background, gender or financial status. What matters most is the blood of Jesus that unites them together as one people.

The gospel is to inform and influence all our relationships, especially within the church. Though many aspects of life make us different and distinct from one another, it is the gospel that makes us one in Christ. Through the cross, God has broken down barriers or walls of hostility (Ephesians 2:14). He has made diverse people and groups one in Christ. Through the work of Christ, we are forgiven of our sins, granted new identities, grafted into the forever family of God and given a new mission in this world. In this way, we are to be cross-shaped people.

TODAY: Have you received Jesus’s work on the cross? If not, today could be the day! Ask God to forgive you of your sins because of Jesus’s work through his death and resurrection. If you have received Christ, give God the praise and ask for his help in applying gospel truths to your daily relationships.

For more on growing in unity, listen to the Beyond the Weekend podcast HERE or watch on YouTube!