Text:  Ephesians 4:1-6 International Children’s Bible (ICB)

The Unity of the Body

4 I am in prison because I belong to the Lord. God chose you to be his people. I tell you now to live the way God’s people should live. 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient and accept each other with love. 3 You are joined together with peace through the Spirit. Do all you can to continue together in this way. Let peace hold you together. 4 There is one body and one Spirit. And God called you to have one hope. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. 6 There is one God and Father of everything. He rules everything. He is everywhere and in everything.

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:1-6

Reflection:

In the book of Ephesians Paul writes from a prison in Rome. He has had his freedom taken away and is finding himself in a less than desirable situation.

• Can you relate to Paul?

• Have you felt secluded this past week?

As Paul writes to Christians he gives them instructions on how to live. Paul uses words like humble, gentle, patient, accept and love.

• Have you been gentle, patient, accepting and loving this past week?

• Did outside influences dictate your actions or feelings?

Part of Paul’s challenge is for Christians to live together with love and through a shared peace.

• How can we continue to be united with love through peace during our current situation?

Prayer:

Hi, God! This week has been hard on people in our community and around the world. Thank you for the instructions from Paul of how we should live our lives and how we should be united. In a time when there is little that each of us can control in this world, we are reminded that we can control how we live and treat others. Thank you for those around us who have been wonderful examples of how to live in challenging times. We pray that through these struggles we strengthen our unity and come out stronger together. Amen.

Focus for the Day: Unity

Author: Rachel Dudley, Director of Children’s Ministry