I wish you all a Happy New Year 2025! May the dear Lord richly bless you and make us all prosperous in everything we do!

The Bible verse for this year is from Ephesians 4:2-3:

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, instructs the church to maintain (or keep) the unity of the Spirit. This unity is the result of the cross and God’s work in Christ. It is a unity provided by the Spirit—something we cannot create ourselves but are called to maintain.

This unity is not about friendliness, camaraderie, or simply remaining silent for a common purpose. It is not mechanical, nor is it the addition of various parts. Instead, it is organic—a new creation brought about by God in Christ Jesus, where the old has been done away with.

Paul uses the example of the human body, an organic unity consisting of many parts intricately connected and functioning under the guidance of the head. Similarly, the church is an organic body, connected to its head, our Lord Jesus Christ.

This unity is characterized by diversity, not uniformity. The parts of the body are different in appearance and function, yet each is important, necessary, and interdependent. Together, they work toward a shared purpose, fulfilling the design for which each member was created.

We are called to maintain this unity. It is a high and challenging calling, one that is impossible without the help of God. True unity is not about achieving a flawless human ideal but about reflecting God’s redeeming love, which works powerfully amid imperfection to heal and bring people together.

May the dear Lord help us to grow in these virtues so that we may make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. God bless you all!