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The last three chapters of Ephesians show us how we are to apply the lessons of the first three chapters to our daily walk with Jesus. However, let us remind ourselves that the central theme of Ephesians is that Jesus brought unity to this divided world through faith in Him and the Church’s key task is to proclaim this message of unity throughout the world. For today’s reflection, the Apostle Paul focuses on two aspects which motivate the Church as a witness to this vital unity: “The Grace of Unity” (Eph. 4:1-3) and “The Grounds of Unity” (Eph. 4:4-6).

If we are to preserve and witness to this vital Christian unity, “The Grace of Unity” lists six virtues which mark the life of grace for Christians. They are: humility, which means truly knowing ourselves, putting Jesus first, others next and self last; meekness, which is not weakness, but power under control, like Jesus; patience, or longsuffering, which means a spirit that bears the pain and suffering for others; which can only be done with love (agape), which is self sacrificing; endeavouring, implies eagerness to maintain the unity of the spirit and the final grace is peace, for when the peace of God rules in our hearts, we build perfect unity (Col. 3:15).

With regards to “The Grounds of Unity”, Paul mentions the “Seven Ones” which are: One Body, One Spirit, One hope of your calling, One Lord, One faith, One baptism, and One God our Father. These “Seven Ones” express God’s Number (7) and His Perfection. Each of the “Seven Ones” is collected around the Persons of the Trinity. The first three around the Holy Spirit, the second three around Jesus our Saviour and then finally God, the Father Himself. The graces are essential but the fundamental principle for the practice of Unity is that we see the Church as a reflection in our world of the Oneness of the Triune God – Three in One, One in Three: Holy Spirit, Jesus, Father. Paul collects the unities in God the Father and repeats the use of “all” – “One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Eph. 4:6). Ultimately, the source of our Walk in Unity is in the power, grace and love of God, our Father in Heaven. Thanks and Glory to God who has saved us all! Amen!