I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Ephesians 4 1-6

The gospel, when preached properly, attracts people from all walks of life. It crosses national and cultural boarders with ease, it is unhindered by economic downturns or tremendous wealth. It, therefore, causes us, who are deeply influenced by all these things, real and pressing problems.

We like people who are ‘like us’, we are naturally suspicious of people who are not ‘like us’. In my experience the band of people we might consider to actually be ‘like us’, is very narrow indeed.

Jesus had no problem loving and leading all kinds of diverse characters. Think, for a moment, about His disciples. Matthew was a tax collector, Simon was a zealot. These two groups not only wouldn’t have mixed, they hated each other, passionately. Yet there they are both following Jesus.

Paul recognises this and calls on Christians to be united.

be eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit

Ephesians 4 v 3

The NIV renders this verse ‘make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit’

We are also given instructions as to how this might be achieved.

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love

Ephesians 4 v 1

To maintain unity in the midst of diversity what is required is that we clothe ourselves with humility and gentleness. We go back to our own salvation to find what is required in our relationship with others.

1. How were you received by Jesus?
2. What was given that you might be included in Jesus great victory?
3. He has made a family of you who were is enemies.
4. He chooses to remember your sins no more.
5. He redeems your foolishness and rewards you for His faithfulness.

Go and do the same – unity will follow you wherever you go.

1 Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, [1] Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

Acts 13 1-3

Barnabas and Saul carried considerable anointing from God. Try and imagine having them in your church, the son of encouragement and the great apostle. These men would transfrom any community they were part of.

Yet here, this church is willing to send them off on mission.

I DON’T THINK THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN EASY

The questions I have for those Christians in Antioch are; How did you do it? & Why did you do it?

I think the answers must be found in the gospel it’s-self

We are generally very happy to enjoy the benefits of the gospel

• Forgiveness
• Freedom from guilt
• The Holy Spirit
• The promise of eternal life

What is noticeable of these Christians is that they were not only enjoying the benefits of the gospel but they  also allowed the gospel to shape them. In this case they were prepared to send their best.

This is a reflection of the Father’s willingness to send the best of heaven, the Son of His love.

They sent Paul and Barnabas knowing they had received the best from God. This shaping by the gospel is essential as we seek maturity of faith.