God's Holy Fire: 'United in the Spirit'

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.
— Ephesians 4:3 NLT

Key Thought

When we open the book of Acts, we hear Jesus promise twice in the first few verses to send the Holy Spirit to empower the early disciples as they go to all nations to share the good news of Jesus. As we read further, we see the Holy Spirit at work to break down every barrier - geographical, cultural, racial, economic, political, and social - to make the people who come to Jesus into one new people. Paul reflects on the great grace of God in Ephesians chapters 1-3. In today's verse, he challenges Jesus' followers to make every effort to keep what the Holy Spirit and the grace of God had worked to create: a people united by the Holy Spirit and held together with the bond of peace. He wanted them to "wage peace"! He wanted them to be peacemakers and not just "peacewanters." Making peace can happen only when we allow the Spirit to control our hearts while we earnestly and diligently strive to be united through the Spirit as God's children.

Today's Prayer

Father, please forgive me. I've been selfish, impatient, and harsh to some of your children. I sometimes haven't been committed to "waging peace" with the same passion as I have sought to get my own way and protect my own position. Please help me as I try to mend relationships and re-establish fellowship with those that I've alienated. Please help me as I seek to have your Spirit take control of my heart and as I seek to live in peace with your children. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

14 Related Resources by Heartlight

Ephesians 4:3
Devo: Daily Wisdom
"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
U - N - I - T - Y.
Illustration of Ephesians 4:3
A scripture card on unity: Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. - Ephesians 4:3
Ephesians 4:2-3
Devo: Today's Verse
"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."
Unity of the Spirit
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were..."
See All 14 Related Resources about Ephesians 4:3

Illustration

Illustration of Ephesians 4:3 NLT — Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Isaiah 2:3
"It is exceedingly beneficial to our souls to mount above this present evil world to something nobler and better. The cares of this world and the..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'My Body a Temple' (1 Co. 6:12-13)
"Dear Father, powerful and holy God, Help me to understand that even though all things may be lawful for me, all things are not helpful. Keep me from...."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Hope Born in Hostile Times' (Acts 7:17-21)
"[As Stephen continued his defense, he moved from God's deliverance of his people through Joseph and began to tell the story of Moses:] "As the time..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Put God First and He Will See to Your Needs'
"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow..."

About This Devotional

God's Holy Fire is a daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

More God's Holy Fire

Translations