Unity in the body of Christ is both a gift from God and a responsibility we must guard with diligence. Ephesians 4 reminds us that while God creates unity through His Spirit, it is our duty to protect, maintain, and strengthen that unity.
The Restoration Motto
A guiding motto for Christians through the centuries has been:
“In faith, unity; in opinion, liberty; in all things, charity.”
While not a direct quotation from Scripture, this motto reflects deeply biblical principles.
- In faith, unity: God’s Word is the only authority in matters of faith. We must gather around Scripture, not personal preference, when it comes to doctrine (Romans 10:17; John 17:17).
- In opinion, liberty: Not everything is a matter of faith. Scripture allows for liberty in matters of judgment, such as diet, education, or even how we observe secular traditions (Romans 14:5).
- In all things, charity: Whether in faith or opinion, love must be the guiding principle (1 Corinthians 13).
Three Dangers to Avoid
The lesson highlighted three errors that threaten the peace of the church:
- Legalism – Taking matters of opinion and binding them as matters of faith. This was seen in the first century when some bound circumcision as necessary for salvation (Acts 15).
- Lawlessness – Taking matters of faith and treating them as mere opinion. For example, loosening God’s commands about worship or morality and justifying them as “personal liberty.”
- Becoming a Stumbling Block – Even when something is a matter of liberty, if exercising it harms another believer’s conscience, it becomes sinful (Romans 14; 1 Corinthians 8).
Drawing the Line Between Faith and Opinion
One of the greatest challenges Christians face is discerning where to draw the line between faith and opinion. We won’t always see eye to eye on every detail, but in humility, patience, and love, we can work together to better understand God’s will. None of us had perfect knowledge the day we became Christians, and even today we are still learning and growing.
Building on the Rock
Everything must be built on the solid rock of God’s Word (Matthew 7:24–27). Unity cannot be built on human opinion or cultural trends—it must be founded on the truth of Scripture, guided by love, and sustained by humility.
When we strive for unity in faith, allow liberty in opinion, and practice love in all things, the church can remain strong, at peace, and effective in its mission for generations to come.