One of the things we see throughout scripture is a desire from God for His people to be unified.  This particularly becomes evident through Jesus’ prayer in the garden from John 17 and then in the early church as the church grows with both Jews and Gentiles embracing Jesus and His teachings.  Let’s look at Paul’s words from Romans 15 together today.

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. 8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed 9 and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy.

Paul gives us a similar message throughout his letters to the churches he ministers to.  When we are unified and one it brings glory to God.  It is attractive to the world and points others to Jesus as well. This does not mean that you will always get along with everyone or be close friends with all other followers of Jesus.  It is more a general love for one another and a common goal that unites us.  We are all working together to bring others to Jesus.  To share His great love with the world.  When we are unified our gifts come together and complement each other’s gifts and we become more effective in our common mission.  I pray that God might give us all a spirit of unity and mission as we seek to share His love with the world.

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave