When I was in junior high I read this definition of fellowship: two fellows in a boat rowing for the same shore. Later I learned the Greek word koinonia which means fellowship.

Paul’s first section in Ephesians 4 was about unity. It takes me back to Psalm 133:1 which says, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.” I love this picture of unity in Acts 4:32. It says, “Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul…they had all things in common.”

United, one accord, all things in common speak of the design for Christ’s body – the church. That is why we have to guard against any division. Romans 12:18 is our model. It says, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” Paul is a great example of this. Acts 24:16 says, “This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.”

We have this warning in Matthew 12:25, “…Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.” Paul wrote many warnings. Here is another to remember. Galatians 5:9 says, “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.” Ecclesiastes further illustrates this principle. It says, “Dead flies putrefy the perfumer’s ointment…”

Ephesians 4:1 says, “I…beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called.” Then in verses 2-3 explained how: lowliness, gentleness, longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, and doing everything you can to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Verses 4-6 defined our oneness: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all. Every believer is part of the body. We all have an individual function that contributes to the health and growth of His body. Our untied purpose is that He will be glorified in all that we think, say, and do. Divided we fall, but united we stand. Let us do our part to protect and guard our unity 💜