John Calvin Commentary Ephesians 4:3

"giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." — Ephesians 4:3 (ASV)

Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit. With good reason does he recommend forbearance, as tending to promote the unity of the Spirit. Innumerable offenses arise daily, which might produce quarrels, particularly when we consider the extreme bitterness of the natural human temper. Some consider the unity of the Spirit to mean that spiritual unity which is produced in us by the Spirit of God. There can be no doubt that He alone makes us of one accord, of one mind, (Philippians 2:2) and thus makes us one; but I think it more natural to understand the words as denoting harmony of views. This unity, he tells us, is maintained by the bond of peace; for disputes frequently give rise to hatred and resentment. We must live at peace, if we wish that brotherly kindness should be permanent among us.