Unity

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.
Philippians 2:1-2 NIV*

The way Paul starts here with “if you have any” implies he expects us to have a great deal of it:

  • encouragement from being united with Christ
  • comfort from His love
  • fellowship with the Holy Spirit

These ought to be the things that keep us going each day. Relationship with God makes all the difference. We’re to be people “living the rescue.” We’re not the same any more.

Verse 2 is a natural progression from verse 1. With our eyes and hearts filled with Jesus, that has to shape our relationships with other Christians. As we remember Who is our focus, He’s going to grow us together in His love.

But we get used to Jesus’ presence and instead of relying on Him more and more, we tend to take Him for granted. And we start to look at one another with colder eyes, noticing flaws and irritants.

Father, please forgive me, and open my eyes and heart to joyful awareness of Your presence. Help me linger with You, walk with You in the days, and thrive in You. As You change my heart and the hearts of my brothers and sisters in faith, grant us unity to serve You in this world.

Our song this week is “Neverending,” from the David Crowder*Band’s Remedy CD.

*New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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