Despite so many people calling for unity in society today, it seems as though there is more division and deeper division everywhere we look. The enemy has put iron wedges of strife and enmity between people that seem unbreakable. Too often we find people fighting against one another when they should be fighting for one another, and it’s tearing our society apart as well as our relationships, especially leading to broken families. That’s not a place where any of us want to live.
Joel and I have been married for thirty-seven years. We’ve raised our children together, built houses and a business together, and now we’re leading one of the greatest churches in the nation together. Together. When I look back, I can see that it’s not because we’re so smart or gifted. It’s because we found a way to walk together in peace and unity. That doesn’t mean we agree on everything or see eye to eye all the time. We don’t. But we’ve agreed to walk together “with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:2–3).
Why is it so important to keep the bond of peace in our lives? Because you will not agree with everyone all the time. We have to realize that doesn’t make one of us right and the other wrong. We have to recognize that we are different people with different opinions, and that this is what makes us different. But that doesn’t have to fragment us. That does not have to cause us to be angry or bitter toward one another. We can maintain the bond of peace.
We find this common ground of peace through the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul said that “the kingdom of God is…righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). You have to be in relationship with God before you can be in peace with others. When you are at peace with God, you can be at peace with others. The Bible talks about God’s presence reigning in peace through our lives. If you want the power of God in your life, maintain your relationships through the bond of peace.
Peace doesn’t hold grudges. Peace doesn’t get bitter. Peace doesn’t have to be right all the time or prove you’re right even if you are right. Peace doesn’t have to have its own way or have the last word. Peace is a place of power. Peace trusts. Peace believes the best. Peace is a beautiful thing.
Don’t give in to what will divide you. Pursue unity. Chase peace down and maintain its bond with one another through love. Together.