Every person “in Christ” begins with a heart that helps unity: child-like humility, without which one cannot enter Christ’s kingdom. Every person converted to Christ is first convicted of his sins by the Holy Spirit. As commanded by the Spirit through Peter, the sinner must repent (have a change of heart) and receive baptism (immersion in water) for the forgiveness of his sins. Only the poor in spirit respond with such faith-filled obedience. Thus, every true believer has a head-start, having attitudes that enhance unity with fellow sinners saved by grace. Like the new disciples of Acts, those in Christ share “one heart and soul.” In biblical baptism, the believer receives the Holy Spirit. He works powerfully in those who continue to cooperate. He nurtures and grows the fruit of the Spirit, the very attitudes that promote peace. “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, [be] eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit.”
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