Christianity Oasis Forum

[cimi]

THRUSDAY JUNE 15


THE BOND OF PEACE

TODAY’S READING
Ephesians 4:1-6
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Make every effort
to keep the unity
of the Spirit
through the bond
of peace. Ephesians 4:3
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After I confronted my friend by email over a matter on which we had differed, she didn’t respond. Had I over-stepped? I didin’t want to worsen the situation by pestering her, but neither did I want to leave things unresolved before she went on a trip overseas. As she popped into my mind throughout the following days, I prayed for her, unsure of the way forward. Then one morning I went for a walk in our local park and saw her, pain etched on her face as she glimpsed me. “Thank you, Lord, that I can talk to her,” I breathed as I approached her with a welcoming smile. We talked openly and were ale to resolve matters.

Sometimes when hurt or silence intrudes on our relationships, mending them seems out of our control. But as the apostle Paul says in his letter to the hcurch at Ephesus, we are called to work for peace and unity through God’s Spirit, donning the garments of gentleness, humility, and patience as we seek God’s healing in our relationships. The Lord yearns for us to be united, and through His Spirit He can bring His people together__even unexpectedly when we go walking in the park. __Amy Boucher Pye

**Have you experienced an unexpected encounter
that revealed God working in a situation?
How might you work toward peace and unity today?
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God desires unity among believers.