Keeping the Peace We Already Share
Different instruments tuning to one pitch, a picture of hearts aligned to Jesus for the unity of the Spirit.
Devotional Credit: Open Windows by T. Austin-Sparks
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Ephesians 4:3 calls us to guard the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. T. Austin-Sparks helps me hear that call with fresh ears. He reminds us that this unity is not wishful thinking. It is very practical. It lives where misunderstandings happen, where feelings get bruised, and where little barriers try to grow into big walls.
I appreciate his candor. He names the countless ways division sneaks in. Sometimes it is a small distance we cannot explain. Sometimes it is a clear offense that feels justified. Either way, the enemy loves to exaggerate. Austin-Sparks gently turns our eyes to Jesus in the middle of that swirl. The Lord has more at stake than our pride. His name, His testimony, His joy among His people.
The path forward is not complicated, though it is costly to the ego. We let personal interests move to the side. We keep Jesus and His interests in view. We choose forgiveness, honest conversation, and open hearts. We refuse the luxury of nursing a grudge. We say, this is not to the Lord’s gain, so I will not carry it.
Unity is life giving because it is centered in Jesus Himself. We are one body in Him. When He is the focal center, peace follows. Thank you, T. Austin-Sparks, for opening this window again and helping us see how superior Jesus is to every competing claim.
Journal Entry; Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I draw you to diligence in love. Walk with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love. Be eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all.
I ask you to set the mind on things above, where Jesus is seated. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body, and be thankful. Put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Forgive as you have been forgiven. Above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
I form the mind of Christ in you. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. As far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Speak truth in love. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
I remind you that you are many members, yet one body, and that each part needs the others. Seek the things that make for unity. Sow peace, and a harvest of righteousness will follow. Strive for peace with everyone. Keep yourselves in the love of God. Build one another up. The anointing teaches you to abide in the Son and in the Father. In Me, you have everything you need for life and godliness.
Scripture references: Ephesians 4:1 to 6, Colossians 3:12 to 15, Philippians 2:1 to 5, Romans 14:19, Romans 12:18, Ephesians 4:15, Ephesians 4:32, 1 Corinthians 12:12 to 27, James 3:17 to 18, Hebrews 12:14, Jude 20 to 21, 1 John 2:27, 2 Peter 1:3, John 17:20 to 23, Psalm 133:1, Matthew 5:23 to 24, Colossians 3:1 to 2, Romans 15:5 to 7, Galatians 5:22 to 25, 2 Timothy 2:22 to 24, Titus 3:1 to 2, Proverbs 17:9.
Real-Life Analogy
Think of tuning a handful of instruments with a single pitch on a simple phone app. If each person tunes by ear to the next person, the sound wanders. When everyone tunes to the same reference tone, the blend becomes beautiful. Unity in the body works like that. The indwelling Holy Spirit is our true reference. As we yield to Him, He aligns hearts to Jesus and the sharp edges begin to soften.
Try this today. If a tense thread starts in a text group or a meeting, pause before you answer. Quietly pray, Lord, I trust You to tune my words and tone to the peace of Jesus as You love through me. Then reply with clarity, kindness, and a willingness to listen.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You for making me part of one body in Your Son. Thank You for the unity of the Spirit that You have already given, and for the peace that holds us together. I receive Your wisdom for today’s conversations. I release personal demands that do not serve Your name. Lord, I trust You to keep my heart soft, my words gentle, and my actions helpful, so that Your testimony is honored among us.