Devotional - Tuesday, August 17th

Unity in the Body of Christ



Ephesians 4 (New International Version)


1As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.


11It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.


29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.


God put us here for a reason, to be a part of the Body of Christ. He brought each one of us to Kenya for a specific reason and those whom we’ve left at home are there for a specific reason as well. We each have jobs that he’s intended us for. That job might be as simple as saying thank you to someone who’s made us a meal and touching their heart. Or, it could mean teaching a sermon to touch many hearts.


Each of the people we meet while we’re on this journey has a purpose in our lives as well as in the Body of Christ. Although we might not see it at the time all of these people will touch us and it’s our responsibility as part of the Body of Christ to be open and accepting of that touch. Some of the things we see and experience will make us feel uneasy or afraid or confused but there is something important to glean from all of it. Don’t shy away from those things but rather go towards them and face them with the knowledge that God is here to protect and love you and you are here to show that same faith and love to others.


Most of all remember that we are ALL part of the ONE Body of Christ believing in “5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”


Lisa Milton