Jon Allen

In Ephesians, the apostle Paul takes many opportunities to remind followers of Jesus how we should treat each other. One such account, or encouragement is found in chapter four starting in verse one where he says, “Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.”

So we see Paul’s plea that we treat each other with the same love and grace with which he lavishes on us. Because of our relationship with him, it changes our relationships with each other.

This sounds awfully easy on paper doesn’t it? But if you’re like me, having patience doesn’t always come as easily as I would like. I might be the only one who struggles with that, but I’m guessing not. 

I think it really comes down to Jesus’ instruction from Matthew 7:12, what we know as the golden rule, “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.”

What an important instruction to us. And I love what Paul goes on to say in Ephesians 4:3. We are to make every effort to have unity. We are to be united in the spirit. And he gives us the reason we are to strive for unity; we all serve and worship the same God.

He tells us, “For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.” He goes on to say, “There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.”

What a strong call to unity. In a nutshell, this is why we gather as one body at the end of August in Washington Park as a unified body of Christ. We gather to worship that one God and Father and to bring unity to his body here in Powell. It is an amazing time each year.

So, I encourage you to join us on Aug. 31. If you are part of a local body, join us. If you don’t normally go to church, join us. I’m certain you will be encouraged. Let’s gather together in unity to worship our one God!

(Jon Allen is the associate pastor of Grace Point in Powell.)