Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “It is not the experience of Christian community, but firm and certain faith within Christian community that holds us together.” The word translated “together” is found seven times in the book of Ephesians. Ephesians 1:10 reads, “that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth — in Him.” Ephesians 2:5 reads, “even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved).” Ephesians 2:6a reads, “and raised us up together...” Ephesians 2:6b reads, “and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:21 reads, “in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.” Ephesians 2:22 reads, “in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” Ephesians 4:16 reads, “from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” Within the Christian community there is to be the practical expression of unity.

First, note the mission of our unity. Ephesians 4:3 reads, “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” David declares in Psalm 133:1, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!” Are you engaged in this unity?

Second, note the means of our unity. Ephesians 4:4-6 reads, “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Are you encouraged by this unity?

Third, note the manifestation of our unity. Ephesians 4:13 reads, “till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” Are you enamored with this unity?

Jesus said, “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me” (John 17:20-23). Here Jesus prays for the unity of all believers. Remember, Christian, we’re all in this together.

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah.