Today's traditional epistle reminds us of the true basis for unity among Christians. We have many differences in nature, culture, and personal preferences, but certain things are necessary. In Ephesians 4: 2-6. St. Paul exhorts Christian believers to seek "to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are 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."
Christians must walk a fine line between the dangers of doctrinal weakness and intolerance. Not every religious option is acceptable. Even some things that are tolerable are not necessarily edifying. So we must stand up for our convictions. On the other hand, we must be careful about the ways that we assert our convictions. Even in disagreement, we must try to remain kind and charitable. And we should also seek common ground based on the matters that Paul mentions. There is one body- one universal church of Jesus Christ, and one Holy Spirit at work calling all believers to a common hope in redemption. There is one Lord, that is Jesus Christ, God the Son, who suffered, died, and rose to save us. There is one faith, which is both belief in and trust in the Lord Jesus. There is one baptism, the sacrament of entry into the body of Christ through water administered in the name of God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. And the ultimate unity is in one God and Father who reigns over all.
Different Christian individuals and groups have distinct preferences and practices. Some of those differences are important, and some are not important. Some of those things may be more or less edifying for specific people, and there is room for compromise on some non-essential points of theology or practice. However, on the basics mentioned in Ephesians 4, Christians need to strive for mutual understanding and spiritual unity.
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