It is possible for different people to understand the Bible alike. However, it takes effort and paying close attention to what has been written (Ephesians 3:4). Let’s consider what the apostle Paul has to say about being united in understanding.
The Attitude of Unity in Understanding (Ephesians 4:1-3)
I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 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.
Being united in understanding requires having the proper attitude. Christians are to “walk worthy of the calling…with all lowliness and gentleness.” There is no place for prideful, haughty behavior among followers of Christ. Christians are also to be longsuffering and bear with one another. We are supposed to work hard “to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Being united in understanding requires us to put effort into making sure our attitude is Christ-like.
A Christian who is not patient with their brethren is not committed to keeping “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” A Christian who is not gentle with their brethren is not committed to maintaining “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
While many jump straight to doctrine when discussing unity in understanding, the inspired apostle Paul begins with our attitude. Many “debates” and “discussions” between Christians miss what Paul wrote here. They skip straight over the attitude and into the doctrine.
If we care about God’s Word as much as we claim, shouldn’t we listen to what He says about our attitude as well as the doctrine?
The takeaway: Having the truth doesn’t permit you to be harsh, impatient, or prideful. Attitude matters.
The Platform of Unity in Understanding (Ephesians 4:4-6)
There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
The apostle Paul mentions seven things that make up the platform of unity in our understanding. God could have said anything He wanted, but He chose these seven things: “one body,” “one Spirit,” “one hope,” “one Lord, one faith, one baptism,” and “one God and Father of all.” These seven things make up the platform, or the basis, for our unity in understanding.
Notice what isn’t found here: our opinions.
Many “discussions” in the brotherhood revolve around matters of opinion and judgment. Some wish to teach for doctrine their own opinions. These things ought not to be so.
We do not need to think the same in matters of opinion to be united in our understanding. Matters of opinion ought to never divide the Lord’s people. If we listened to God’s Word (Romans 14; 1 Corinthians 8), we would keep our opinions to ourselves, especially if we knew they might cause problems.
Being united in understanding means being united in the things that are a “thus says the Lord.” Being united in understanding does not mean everyone has to believe the way I do about what should be worn to worship, which Bible translation to use, vaccines, masks, tattoos, or any other matter of opinion and judgment.
The takeaway: Let’s teach God’s Word and not our own opinions. Being united in our understanding of the Scriptures requires being understanding in matters of opinion.
