I’m beginning to think that “one body” is one of the main themes of Ephesians. We talked about lost insiders (Jews) and lost outsiders (Gentiles) coming together in “one new man” in chapter 2. Then Paul makes it clear in chapter 3 that we’re all in this together. The despised outsiders are…

…fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. (Ephesians 3.6, ESV)

And look how he starts chapter 4:

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body… (Ephesians 4.1 – 4, ESV)

There is one body. There is no:

• Black versus white
• Republican versus Democrat
• Rich versus poor
• Liberals versus conservatives

We are called to treat each other

• with all humility and gentleness,
• with patience,
• bearing with one another in love,
• eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Can we keep the desired behaviors in mind as we interact with those different from us? Those we disagree with? (I don’t write this stuff…I just report it! Especially when God draws it to my attention.)

For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3.26 – 28, ESV)