Grace Notes – Loving Unity
“Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ,
if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship
of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy
complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love,
united in spirit, intent on one purpose.”
Philippians 2:1-2 NASB
“This is My commandment, that you love one another,
just as I have loved you.”
John 15:12 NASB
Grace Perspective:
Philippians 2:1-2 is a continuation of 1:27c, where Paul continues to encourage believers to be of the “same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.” (Philippians 2:2 NASB) The Apostle knew firsthand how quickly a group of people could fall into backbiting, gossip, and other sinful behaviors that tear apart relationships and churches. He admonishes us against these destructive behaviors because he knew how quickly the gospel message suffers when believers tear each other apart. It doesn’t take much for people to become divided if the love of Christ isn’t at the center of all we do as a church.
A Touch of Grace:
How do you express Christ’s love to others?
Where do you struggle to love as Christ calls us to?
Grace Application:
The word “love” in Philippians 2:1 and John 15:12 comes from the Greek root agapao, which means the same unselfish love Christ has for us. Christ demonstrated His agapao for us when He laid down His life for us. He expects us to have this same love for others. We know it is only possible to love this way when we abide in Him. Without His love flowing through us, our “branch” withers. When we remain in Him, His love remains in us. When we choose to love others as Christ loves us, we find it much easier to have “fellowship of the Spirit” (Philippians 2:1 NASB). This type of love encourages affection, compassion, concern, and a desire to see others’ needs met. In essence, this is how a church body is supposed to work together so that Christ is glorified.
As the same love unites us for Christ, there is a natural “fellowship of the Spirit” (Philippians 2:1b). We don’t have to agree on everything to have fellowship. There are many different denominations in the Church, each with a preference in how it worships the Lord. However, as long as the core issues remain the same—Jesus alone is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and salvation is a gift from God and cannot be earned—the body of Christ should be unified. We shouldn’t allow minor differences in worship to keep us from enjoying sweet fellowship. After all, God loves variety. We can observe His creation to see how He loves diversity. He made each of us uniquely, yet desires us to worship Him with one heart. We need to be unified in our faith so that Christ is revealed to an unbelieving and hurting world. A unified body is like a lighthouse in the stormy darkness, piercing even the darkest night and drawing those in need of Christ’s love into a haven.
As we enter this Christmas season, let’s live in loving unity with one another, so those around us are drawn to Christ. May His love flow through us as we celebrate the One who loves us deeply and came as a baby to redeem us from the penalty of sin.
In His Grace,
Dawn
Prayer:
Gracious Father, I come to You in the precious name of Jesus Christ, thankful for Your love. Please forgive me for my selfishness and unloving attitude towards others. Grow within me a deep love for others that reflects Christ. As we approach Christmas, help me be unified with other believers so that others are drawn to receive Your love and forgiveness. Amen.
Today, as you read this, I pray you know you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubts, call out to God so all doubts can be erased. Today is a good day to be assured of salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, you can contact me at graceisdawning@gmail.com.