being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Verse 3. The unity of the Spirit. A united spirit, or oneness of spirit. This does not refer to the fact that there is one Holy Spirit; but it refers to unity of affection, of confidence, of love. It means that Christians should be united in temper and affection, and not be split up in factions and parties.
3. 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 man’s natural temper. Some consider the unity of the Spirit to mean that spiritual unity which is produced in us by the Spirit of God.
Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (3) Thirdly he requires perfect agreement, but yet such that is joined with the band of the Holy Spirit.