Unity and Diversity in the Body of Christ

Therefore I, the prisoner for the Lord,(A) urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility(B) and gentleness, with patience,(C) accepting[a](D) one another in love,(E) diligently keeping the unity(F) of the Spirit(G) with the peace(H) that binds us. There is one body and one Spirit(I)—just as you were called to one hope[b](J) at your calling— one Lord,(K) one faith,(L) one baptism, one God(M) and Father(N) of all, who is above all and through all and in all.(O)

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Footnotes

  1. Ephesians 4:2 Or tolerating
  2. Ephesians 4:4 Lit called in one hope

Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ

As a prisoner(A) for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy(B) of the calling(C) you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another(D) in love.(E) Make every effort to keep the unity(F) of the Spirit through the bond of peace.(G) There is one body(H) and one Spirit,(I) just as you were called to one hope when you were called(J); one Lord,(K) one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all,(L) who is over all and through all and in all.(M)

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Christian Humility

If then there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love,(A) if any fellowship with the Spirit,(B) if any affection and mercy,(C) fulfill my joy by thinking the same way,(D) having the same love,(E) sharing the same feelings, focusing on one(F) goal. Do nothing out of rivalry(G) or conceit,(H) but in humility(I) consider others as more important(J) than yourselves. Everyone should look out not only for his own interests,(K) but also for the interests of others.(L)

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Imitating Christ’s Humility

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit,(A) if any tenderness and compassion,(B) then make my joy complete(C) by being like-minded,(D) having the same love, being one(E) in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.(F) Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,(G) not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.(H)

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15 For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a brief time, so that you might get him back permanently, 16 no longer as a slave, but more than a slave—as a dearly loved brother. He is especially so to me, but even more to you, both in the flesh(A) and in the Lord.[a](B)

17 So if you consider me a partner, accept(C) him as you would me. 18 And if he has wronged you in any way, or owes you anything, charge that to my account.(D)

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Footnotes

  1. Philemon 1:16 Both physically and spiritually

15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— 16 no longer as a slave,(A) but better than a slave, as a dear brother.(B) He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.

17 So if you consider me a partner,(C) welcome him as you would welcome me. 18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.(D)

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