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b'READ: EPHESIANS 2:11-22\\n\\n\\n\\nThe village of Koselig had begun building ships. For too long the Blodugur clan had pillaged their tiny coastal town (and they, in turn, had done the same to them) and now the village of Koselig had made plans to leave before more bloodshed. But they are too late.\\n\\n\\n\\nA horn bellows, alerting Koselig to gather. Blodugur approaches, and they must prepare for battle. The people exchange worried glances, drawing their swords. The clan leader runs out in front of them. They stand poised for a rousing speech from their Chief.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u201cPeople of Koselig!\\u201d he shouts. \\u201cThere, battle awaits.\\u201d He points to the Southern Forest where Blodugurian warriors slink along the tree line. \\u201cRemember now that when we gather, then our God will fight for us! Trust in Him!\\u201d The Chief pauses as the Elder of Koselig approaches and whispers into his ear. When he shouts again to the people, his posture has shifted. \\u201cThis time though, drop your weapons and your shields. Do it quickly.\\u201d Confused, the people begin to lower their weapons to the ground. "How do you fight an army with no weapons?" They murmur.\\n\\n\\n\\nKnowing the people\\u2019s unease, their leader continues, \\u201cWe are going to send a diplomat urging them to join us instead of creating more bloodshed for us all. Pray for her, pray that God will speak through her.\\u201d\\n\\n\\n\\nThe people watch a woman ride toward the enemy alone. Some recognize the rider: her name is Laioma. At the tree line she stops and speaks. After the sun has gone to kiss the North Sea, the rider hurries back, the Blodugurian warriors trailing behind.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u201cPraise be to God today, people of Koselig!\\u201d she calls hoarsely. \\u201cHe has heard our cries and gifted us with a new ally, not an enemy.\\u201d Most of Koselig replies with joyous shouts. But some clench their fists; others pull their children closer. Laioma continues, \\u201cYes, much blood has been shed because of the violence between our two clans. And we grieve these losses with deep sorrow, as God does. But let us also remember the One He sent, who shed His own blood for us all. Because His love is greater than death, today the Blodugur clan joins us as members of the same body. We are fellow citizens who will search for new lands together, led by the One who brought peace, the One who is making us into the new humanity.\\u201d\\n\\n\\n\\nThe Elder brings the ceremonial goblet to Laioma, and she raises it for the newcomers to drink. The celebration proceeds into the night and into the day. While some are suspicious of one another, in the coming weeks meals are shared, trust is built, and among the people spreads the joy of the unity made possible by something beyond themselves. The forgiveness of the One has made the way for them to live in peace with one another. \\u2022 Peter J. McDonough\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u2022 Today\\u2019s allegorical story shows how God has made unity possible through Jesus. We find the theme of unity throughout the Bible. For example, in Ephesians 2 Paul tells the Christians living in Ephesus that both Jewish Christians and Gentile (or non-Jewish) Christians \\u201chave access to the Father by one Spirit\\u201d (verse 18). They are all \\u201cfellow citizens\\u201d of God\\u2019s kingdom and also \\u201cmembers of his household\\u201d (verse 19). Jesus is the only One who could make this unity possible. Through His death and resurrection, He forgives all who trust in Him, uniting them with God\\u2026and uniting them with other believers. We cannot live in unity or love each other well apart from Jesus\\u2014the fact is, unity is a gift from God, and He empowers us to love one another through the Holy Spirit (John 15:1-17; 17:20-26). Can you think of any examples of ways you have seen God\\u2019s people living in unity with each other and loving each other well? What was that like?\\n\\n\\n\\n\\u2022 As the Koseli'