How to Get and Maintain Peace
Paul Bayne.
Ephesians 4:3
Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.


1. Take heed of giving offence.

2. Avoid taking offence.

3. Guard against beginning any contention.

4. To keep peace, get pure hearts.

Love of Christian Unity
The attachment of the Rev. John Elliot, usually called "The Apostle to the Indians," to peace and union among Christians was exceedingly great. When he heard ministers complain that some in their congregations were too difficult for them, the substance of his advice would be, "Brother, compass them. Brother, learn the meaning of those three little words — bear, forbear, forgive." His love of peace, indeed, almost led him to sacrifice right itself.

spoudazontes σπουδάζοντες being diligent

spoudazó
Strong's Concordance
spoudazó: to make haste, hence to give diligence
Original Word: σπουδάζω

Short Definition: I hasten
Definition: I hasten, am eager, am zealous.
HELPS Word-studies
Cognate: 4704 spoudázō – properly, be swift (go fast, be speedy); (figuratively) to move speedily by showing full diligence (fully applying oneself); acting fervently (speedy commitment) to accomplish all that God assigns through faith ("His inbirthed persuasion"). Accordingly, 4704 (spoudázō) and faith (4102 /pístis) are directly linked (see Eph 4:3-5; 2 Tim 4:7-9). See 4710 (spoudē).

spoudé
Strong's Concordance
spoudé: haste, diligence
Original Word: σπουδή, ῆς, ἡ
Short Definition: haste, diligence
Definition: (a) speed, haste, (b) diligence, earnestness, enthusiasm.
HELPS Word-studies
4710 spoudḗ (from 4692 /speúdō, "move quickly, speed on") – properly, swiftness to show zealous diligence, i.e. one's "best" (full effort by making haste).

For the believer, 4710 /spoudḗ ("speedy diligence") means quickly obeying what the Lord reveals is His priority. This elevates the better over the good – the more important over the important – and does so with earnest swiftness (intensity).