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 Theory and Practice - Verseophiles will note that we’ve
gone through sixty-six verses filled with indicatives about the meaning and extent of
God’s love shown in Jesus Christ. With this lesson we shift to practical
instructions, sometimes referred to as "paraenesis." The writer now suggests
ways of putting that love into practice in order to maintain Christian unity. [1]
The Virtues -Note the list of virtues that make for unity: humility,
gentleness, patience, and forebearance; humility was a slave virtue, but gentleness and
patience were virtues championed by Roman moralists. [2]
Seven Reasons for Unity - In antiquity, seven was considered the
perfect number thus; lists of seven would merit higher value than lesser numbered items.
So the writer offers the perfect number of reasons for why the church is unified-one body,
Spirit, one hope, on Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God.
Voices From the Past -Lowliness consists in having a humble mind.
Meekness is a curb on pride . . . patience consists in bearing any adverse circumstance
that may befall them. With lowliness and meekness we learn not to be afraid to suffer.
With patience we learn how to respond if we must suffer. [3]
 Of the qualities listed in verse
two, which do you demonstrate the best in daily life? The worst?
What is God’s purpose in giving gifts to his people? In what ways do you need
others?
 Clearly, the writer speaks of unity in
the Body of Christ. You will want to amplify that theme in a homily based on this passage.
Consider raising the tension of disunity that we hear too often in the church-conflicts,
splits, arguments, doctrinal differences. Place over against such dis-unity, the
writer’s insistence that we endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of
peace. What does that look like?
How can we embody our mission to be persons of Christian unity in baptism, belief,
calling, etc.?
Suggest new ways that such unity might look like in the local community of faith. How
will such a mission change the way we think, do ministry, select leadership, worship,
relate to other denominations and congregations?
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