Nougat 12

In the past, the natural inclination was to read today’s Holy Nougat as a call for Christian Unity in the face of schisms and distress. Rightly so, I might add, for a call to walk worthy of one’s spiritual vocation , in patience, gentleness and forebearance underscores that reality.

But could there be another call? Let’s ruminate for a bit

“Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” Ephesians‬ ‭4:3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Could it be that we are called to not only be United one with the other BY the Power and Fellowship of God’s Spirit (the given); but also that we are being called to be At One (United) WITH God’s Spirit? Hmmn

For the power to live in Love is of God (see the epistle 1 John – all chapters). And our vocational call is of God. And having determined that Humility is rooted in our ability to see ourselves and others as God’s (of or belonging to God) and as God sees us; it is possible to conclude that disunity with the fellowship may reflect a break in our connection with God’s Spirit?

Before considering what this means for the other; let’s pause – are we at one with God’s Spirit? Ephesians 6 invites us to leave a footprint of Peace wherever we go; so much so that some versions indicate that Peace ought to precede us. I read that as having a reputation for Peacemaking. Moreover; if Peace carries the blessing of being identified as God’s child (Matthew 5), then the Unity to which we are called must first be IN God’s Spirit, Who IS our Peace.

When Peace is broken; when Unity – that is, the Fellowship with other believers – is threatened let us ensure Unity WITH God’s Spirit to discern our next steps. It may require reconciliation; (some breaks are temporary and superficial). It may require opting to separate as Paul and Barnabas did (some separations ought to be permanent). But our next steps definitely REQUIRE forgiveness. For Peace’ sake and for the glory of God.

Let us make every effort to remain United WITH God’s Spirit so that God’s Peace prevails. Only by God’s Spirit.

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May all we seek be found in Christ