“Maintain the Oneness of the Spirit”

“The oneness,” or unity, that we enjoy is “of the spirit.” This means that it is a product of God’s active force. However, as Paul noted, our unity needs to be maintained. By whom? Really, each Christian must do his or her part “to maintain the oneness of the spirit.”

To illustrate, suppose someone gave you a new car. Who would be responsible for keeping it in good repair? The answer is obvious. You cannot blame the gift-giver if the car breaks down because you didn’t take care of it.

Similarly, although our Christian unity is a God-given gift, each of us is responsible to maintain it. If we do not have a peaceful relationship with a brother or a sister, we need to ask ourselves, ‘Am I doing my part to maintain the oneness of the spirit by resolving the matter?’

‘EARNESTLY ENDEAVOR’ TO MAINTAIN UNITY

As Paul noted, we might at times need to work hard to maintain the oneness of the spirit. That could especially be the case if a brother or a sister has offended us. Does maintaining unity always require that we approach the person and talk out the problem? Not necessarily. Ask yourself, ‘Will making an issue over this difference promote unity or cause more contention?’ Sometimes the wise course is simply to overlook it or to forgive.​—Prov. 19:11; Mark 11:25.

As the apostle Paul wrote, let us keep “putting up with one another in love.” (Eph. 4:2) One reference work says that this phrase can be expressed as “receiving them as they are.” This means that we accept that our fellow believers are sinful, as we are. Of course, we are trying to put on “the new personality.” (Eph. 4:23, 24) However, none of us can do so perfectly. (Rom. 3:23) If we accept that fact, it is easier for us to put up with one another, to be forgiving, and to thereby “maintain the oneness of the spirit.”

When we resolve personal offenses​—even if only in our heart—​we will continue to experience “the uniting bond of peace.” The Greek word that is translated “uniting bond” at Ephesians 4:3 is rendered “ligaments” at Colossians 2:19. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that join one bone to another. In a similar way, peace as well as love for our brothers helps us remain close to them despite any differences we have with them.

So when a fellow believer offends, upsets, or irritates you, try to view that person compassionately rather than critically. (Col. 3:12) Since all humans are imperfect, you too have likely caused someone offense at some point. Keeping that in mind will help you do your part “to maintain the oneness of the spirit.”