04
Lokahi (unity) & Love
John TiltonEphesians 4:1-3
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Paul is so correct that our mindset of the importance of living together in unity and with love should imprison us, where we are bound by these two powerful words of principle. For it is out of the heart of desiring unity and love for one another that we not only example Jesus Christ, but that our actions of intent would be humility, grace, patience and forgiveness for others. I don’t believe one cannot desire peace, love and unity in one’s spirit unless one is acting out of hurt or pride. Thus, it is the status of hurt or pride that we desire to address so that we can then live in peace, love and unity. It is very obvious to me that our time in God’s Word that brings forth the examples of peace, love and unity; together with intently looking for goodness in others, will result in a heart that desires humility, grace, patience and forgiveness.
I know that it is those times that I struggle with not exuding peace, love and unity towards others is because there is hurt or pride involved. Although it may be easier said then done to rid myself of those hurt and prideful feelings, I have seen how my time in God’s Word and time through Him contemplating the goodness of others and good things; that I can overcome my hurt and pride in order to move toward unity and love.
Dear Lord, as I desire to live a life in unity and love with others, may you guide my heart, mind and will to overcome any hurt or pride in my life through your Word and your examples of life, that will enable me to extend humility, grace, patience and forgiveness; thereby naturally living a life of lokahi and love.
