One fundamental thing that contributed to the growth and expansion of the early church, both spiritually and physically, was that they were together. They prayed together (Acts 1:14), waited in expectation together (Acts 2:1), and jointly shared their possessions and fellowshipped together (Acts 4:32). They were in one accord; they were united in purpose, and they walked and worked in love (Acts 2:44).
We don’t all have to come from the same tribe and background, or be of the same age group, or have the same interests, or belong to the same profession, before we can work together in love. Some of Jesus’ disciples were close relatives, such as Peter and Andrew, James and John, who were brothers, while the others were not related. Jesus didn’t pick people from the same background and profession. Tax collectors, fishermen, and political activists, like Simon the Zealot, were on Jesus’ team. Jesus didn’t select men of the same personality type. Some were outspoken, some were quiet. Andrew was the one who led Peter to Christ, but we don’t hear as much about him as we do about Peter. The nicknames Jesus gave James and John – ‘sons of thunder’ are an indication of their personality type. Jesus selected a diverse team of men of different backgrounds, personalities, skills, and abilities. But despite their differences, they were able to get along well.
Genuine love and oneness are crucial as we gather together to worship and serve God. Unity doesn’t happen automatically. Ephesians 4:3 encourages us to make intentional steps that promote unity and keep us living in peace and harmony. We can’t be united if we don’t love ourselves (Colossians 3:14). Love is the foundation of unity both in the church and in the family. It is a pleasant and beautiful thing for believers to dwell together in unity. Psalm 133:1 says, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” The anointing and power of God are manifested where there is unity; the Lord commands His blessings on us when we are not just gathering under the same roof but are truly united in love. God looks on with approval on an atmosphere of unity (Psalm 133:2-3). If we want to see more of God’s blessings in our lives and in our midst, then we must work on our relationship with one another; we must allow the love of God occupy or take over our hearts.
Some qualities promote unity, while some are anti-unity, creating strife, discord, and division both in the church and in the family unit. We can’t be united if we have pride in our hearts, despise, and look down on one another. Romans 12:16 says, “Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.” Being sympathetic, loving, and compassionate to one another, having humility, are virtues that promote unity (1 Peter 3:8).
It is not love to see someone you claim to care about walking into error, committing a sin, living a reckless and harmful life, and doing nothing about it. Proverbs 27:6 says, “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses”. Sometimes, we need to ‘wound’ rebuke, correct, and discipline those we genuinely love.
Having a body with the parts functioning effectively is an indication that you are healthy; you have a healthy body. Having a team that functions in love and unity, which is the way God designed the body of Christ to be, is an indication of a healthy church, an effective church. Having a church that functions in a way different from how God has designed the body of Christ, a church where there is indifference to one another’s pains and burdens, envy, jealousy, carnal competition, and comparison, sharp-tongued gossip, and hurtful backbiting, is clearly an indication that the church is unhealthy and won’t be effective.
Doctors give prescriptions that help and improve our health. What does God prescribe for us to be and remain a healthy church? A simple prescription – more of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in our church. The Holy Spirit is the helper, strengthener, and energizer of every strong church. He is the one who can help us love and value everyone in the church, irrespective of our differences. He is the one who can help us to complement one another, not compete with one another. He is the one who can help us keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3). He is the one who helps us to live God’s way by filling us with the virtues and character traits that promote unity – love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Jesus went around doing good, engaged and occupied in acts of love because God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and power (Acts 10:38).
Have personal needs and challenges made our love for God and one another grow cold? God is calling us to draw near to Him, receive a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit to love the unlovable, forgive the unforgivable, and accomplish the unimaginable together. May our hearts be so deeply rooted, filled, and occupied with the love of God that we become living examples of true disciples of Christ. “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).
One sincere, committed believer can accomplish amazing things for God, but when two or more believers walk in love and serve in unity, the result and impact are exponential (Matthew 18:19-20, Deuteronomy 32:30). Don’t be an instrument of disunity; be a source of harmony.
PHOTO CREDIT: Pixabay
