Strength in Unity

1 Peter 3:8

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.

God calls his people to live in unity with one another, so it is important to make every effort to live together in harmony and peace.  This applies to all areas of life...marriage, family, church, ministry & the workplace.

Philippians  2:1-4

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

As born again believers, the Spirit of God lives in us and we are to be united for a common cause as Christians. And what is this common cause?  Pleasing God! Everything we do should be centered on pleasing our Father in heaven. 

1 Corinthians 1:10

I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.

Being united in Christ means  continually striving to live with other believers in a way that reflects the fact that Christ has made us all one in Him. In this, He expects us to love and serve one another selflessly.

2 Corinthians 13:11

Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

If Christians, who are members of the same team, God’s team, see themselves in competition with one another, then they are not playing as teammates and are dishonoring God.  They are not living in light of the unity that exists as born again believers in Christ.

John 13:35

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

We are to pray, study the word of God and approach Him with reverence, love and a heart of repentance. Living this way daily, allows His Holy Spirit to teach us how to live and work with one another in love and unity, which produces strength, peace and joy...and pleases God!

Colossians 1:10

...walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;