Sunday, January 19, 2025  

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Today's Scripture
Ephesians 4:1–16

I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the 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 all.

But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it is said,

“When he ascended on high he made captivity itself a captive;

he gave gifts to his people.”

(When it says, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is the same one who ascended far above all the heavens, so that he might fill all things.) The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love. (NRSV)

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Reflection

A special worship service moment for me is Sharing the Peace of Christ, using a simple greeting “Peace be with you” and hearing the response “And also with you.” Whether greeting strangers or old friends, we embrace in those moments a powerful picture of Christian unity.

This message of unity and love is at the core of Paul’s message. He admonishes us to live a life worthy of our calling — with humility, gentleness, and patience — maintaining the “unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

In a world often characterized by division and conflict, this message is more crucial than ever. It challenges us to actively seek reconciliation, to bridge divides, and to make sure we live out our faith with love and commitment to Christ.

Paul also highlights the diverse gifts bestowed upon each member of the body. This diversity is not to be feared but celebrated. It reminds us that our gifts and talents, however small they may seem, are essential to the flourishing of the church and the world.

In the days and months ahead may we be strong enough to fulfill Paul’s charge to “speak the truth with love.” Indeed, to bear witness to the truth, grounded in humility.

Peace be with you. And also with you.

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Prayer
Lord, help me to cultivate a spirit of gentleness and forgiveness and to actively pursue peace and unity within the body of Christ. Equip me to use my gifts and talents to serve others and to build up the church, reflecting your love and grace to the world. May I be strong in speaking the truth, in love. Amen.

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Written by Marc Miller, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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