Becoming a People of Unity - Becoming the Church - May 10, 2026

Ephesians 4:1-6 May 10, 2026 Speaker: Pastor Sasha Next week: Pastor Mike Unity Begins With A Worthy Walk Paul is saying: Let your daily life match the gospel you proclaim. Unity is not mainly about church structure. It is about Christian character. Unity begins with a worthy walk. Unity Requires Formed Character Paul gives four qualities that protect unity. Humility - Most church conflicts are not theological. They are relational. Usually rooted in pride, hurt, or preference. Humility oils the gears of church life. Gentleness - Gentleness does not mean weakness. It means strength under control. Jesus described Himself as: Matthew 11:29 gentle and humble in heart. Gentleness is surrendered strength. Patience - The word literally means long tempered. Short temper: Im done with you. Long temper: I will continue walking with you. Bearing with one another in love - This phrase means: making room for imperfect people. Church unity is not built because everyone is easy to love. It is built because Christ loved us first Unity Must Be Guarded Intentionally Paul does not say: Create unity. The Holy Spirit already creates unity through salvation in Christ. Our responsibility is to protect what God has established. Unity matters because it affects our witness to the world. Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote: Christian brotherhood is not an ideal which we must realize; it is rather a reality created by God in Christ in which we may participate. That is exactly Pauls point. Unity is not manufactured by personality compatibility. It is sustained by Christ-centred love. Unity Is Rooted In Shared Truth (Verses 4-6) Paul repeats the word one seven times. One body One Spirit One hope One Lord One faith One baptism One God and Father Christian unity is not unity at any cost. It is unity grounded in truth. Important for the Church Biblical unity does not mean ignoring doctrine. It means standing together around the gospel. We may differ on secondary matters, but we stand united in: The authority of Scripture Salvation through Christ alone The death and resurrection of Jesus The lordship of Christ The mission of the church Questions for Reflection How am I contributing to either unity or tension? How are your words building people up or quietly dividing? Who is someone in this church I need to forgive? How am I living a life worthy of the Gospel by living Word to people God is still shaping? Do I love the church enough to protect its unity? Practical Calls to The Church Refuse Gossip - Unity dies in whispered conversations. Assume the Best - Choose charitable interpretation before criticism. Pursue Reconciliation Quickly - Dont let small wounds become deep divisions. Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Pray for One Another - It is difficult to resent people you consistently pray for. Keep Christ Central - Christ unites church. Unity is not something we achieve, its something we practice into existence.