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In Ephesians 2:11-18, the Apostle Paul addresses one of humanity’s greatest challenges: division and hostility. He paints a vivid picture of the separation between Jews and Gentiles, highlighting the “dividing wall of hostility” that kept these groups apart. This division wasn’t just cultural or social; it was deeply rooted in religious practices and traditions. Ironically, the source of this hostility was the very Law God had given to guide the Jewish people into a life of holiness. This Law, meant as a gift and a light to the nations, had become a barrier, fueling pride and separation.

Paul’s point is profound: the problem of division is not just historical or cultural; it’s universal. We all have a tendency to elevate our gifts, talents, and achievements, using them as a basis for feeling superior to others. This problem isn’t limited to individuals; it extends to groups, races, cultures, and social classes. In our hearts, we often define ourselves by what sets us apart, judging and excluding those who don’t share the same strengths or values. Paul illustrates this in Luke 18:11, where the Pharisee’s prayer, “Oh Lord, I thank thee, I am not like other people,” encapsulates the human tendency to find identity in comparison and division.

There’s a story that captures this idea well. A devout man, stranded alone on a deserted island, built two churches. When rescuers arrived and asked why, he explained, “One church to go to and one to stay away from.” Even in isolation, the human heart seeks ways to distinguish, separate, and create division. This is the problem Paul is addressing in Ephesians 2: humanity’s deep-seated tendency to turn good gifts into sources of pride and division.

God’s Radical Solution

So, what is God’s solution? Paul reveals that God brought peace by “abolishing in His flesh the law with its commandments and regulations” (Ephesians 2:15). Christ’s death on the cross did more than secure personal salvation; it dismantled the divisions that separate us. Through His sacrifice, Jesus created “one new man out of the two,” uniting Jew and Gentile into one body. This new humanity encompasses all races, cultures, and backgrounds, making the church a living testimony of God’s reconciling power.

This unity is more profound than any connection based on shared interests or backgrounds. Unlike a club or group where people bond over one or two shared interests, the unity Christ creates is foundational. It redefines how we see ourselves and others. When you become a Christian, no matter your background—whether Chinese, French, Hispanic, or anything else—your connection to fellow believers becomes the deepest bond. This bond surpasses even cultural or national ties because it’s rooted in shared faith, redemption, and grace.

Paul’s teaching is radical. He says that our primary identity should be in Christ, so much so that we can say, “I am a Christian first, and [my nationality, education, or background] second.” Imagine having a deeper bond with a believer from a completely different part of the world than with someone from your own community who doesn’t share your faith. This is what Paul is describing: a unity that transcends earthly boundaries and divisions.

Living Out This Unity at Bethel Presbyterian Church

So, how does this look for our church, Bethel Presbyterian? What can we do to embody this unity and show that the gospel changes everything?

1. Building Genuine Relationships Across Differences

We can take simple but powerful steps by building intentional relationships with people who are different from us. Whether these differences are in age, race, background, or life experience, we should ask ourselves, “Who in this church do I not know well yet? Who could I reach out to, invite for coffee, or simply sit next to on Sunday?” Let’s step outside our comfort zones, embracing each other’s stories and perspectives to show that our unity goes beyond surface similarities.

2. Creating a Culture of Radical Hospitality

Hospitality is more than just welcoming newcomers; it’s about making sure everyone feels seen, valued, and included. Bethel should be a place where no one feels like an outsider. This means noticing who might be alone, inviting people into our homes, and fostering an environment where everyone feels they belong, regardless of their background or how long they’ve been part of the church.

3. Modeling Reconciliation and Forgiveness

Unity doesn’t mean we won’t face conflict, but it does mean handling it differently. The world often responds to conflict with division, but we are called to respond with grace, humility, and forgiveness. Let Bethel be known as a place where people handle disagreements in a way that strengthens the community and showcases the transformative power of the gospel.

4. Praying for Unity and Transformation

True unity comes from God. We should commit to regularly praying for Bethel, asking Him to help us live out this vision of a unified, loving church family. Let’s ask Him to shape our hearts, renew our minds, and empower us to be a living example of the new humanity Christ has created.

The Lord’s Supper: A Symbol of Our Unity

One of the most powerful reminders of this unity is the Lord’s Supper. When we gather around the Table, we remember Christ’s body broken and His blood shed to reconcile us to God and to each other. The bread and cup are symbols of the peace Jesus achieved, putting to death the hostility that once separated us. As we partake together, we proclaim that we are one body, bound by the same sacrifice. This sacred meal challenges us to examine our hearts, seek reconciliation where needed, and commit to living out the unity we declare.

Conclusion

Paul’s message in Ephesians 2:11-18 is not just a call to recognize the unity Christ has created, but an invitation to live it out. Bethel Presbyterian Church can be a living testimony of this truth—a community where people from different backgrounds, experiences, and walks of life come together as one family. Let’s embrace this calling, build bridges where there are gaps, and be a church that doesn’t just believe in reconciliation but embodies it. The world needs to see that the gospel changes everything, and we have the opportunity to show it, one relationship, one act of love, and one step of faith at a time.