LOVE AND 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 NAS

There is a humorous illustration that has made the church rounds over the years. It asks a question something like, “Did you know the disciples preferred foreign cars?”  The punch line states, “Yes, the Scriptures say that they were all in one Accord.”

Being of one accord, being of the same mindset is a powerful factor in the church.  It is no small thing for the Holy Spirit to work this out in the lives of any fellowship regardless of size.  In our culture of “rugged individualism” it becomes a daunting task in the least from a human perspective.

To the Philippian Christians however it was a badge of honor and courage.  The apostle Paul exhorted them to demonstrate the love and unity that the Spirit of God births in the hearts and minds of every believer.

Was this unity and love an end to itself?  Did the Philippian Christians “arrive” spiritually by demonstrating a single-mindedness of purpose?  The key to answering that question is found in the first word of the passage cited above.  “Therefore” is there for a reason.  Verses one and two are the conclusion of what Paul has already stated in chapter one and supplies us with the need for love and unity in the church today.

Verse twenty-seven of chapter one tells us that a key to living in a manner worthy of the gospel and our calling as God’s children is to stand firm in one spirit, of one mind, striving together to uphold the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Why is this necessary? Because as verse twenty-nine states we will suffer for His sake.

Brothers and sisters, keep the faith.  Stand firm in the Spirit of God.  Seek love and unity above all else within the body.  In this way is God glorified and you are strengthened for the battles of life.