United in Love

Posted on September 6, 2018 by Mike

A common purpose and vision is essential for followers of Jesus Christ to achieve the work of God. When everyone is moving in a different direction, the body of Christ is disjointed and rendered ineffective. Together we can accomplish great things in the name of God. Together our power is magnified many fold. God designed us to work together.

“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” 1 Corinthians 1:10 (NIV)

The most important aspect of our faith is the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This should be the starting point for our coming together. All believers stand united on this foundational miracle that provides for our salvation.

“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (NIV)

We all agree that by the grace of God through our faith in Jesus Christ we have been forgiven of our sins and granted the gift of eternal life. We were all sentenced to die as a result of our sin and thanks to God we have been provided with a redeemer – the penalty for our sin has been erased.

“But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 5:20-21 (NIV)

On the other side of our salvation is a duty to God to do good work in unity and harmony. Our assurance of eternal life provides us a firm foundation from which to carry out God’s work. Jesus provided us with simple to understand instructions – love one another (John 13:34-35). If we are working together for that purpose, we are absolutely on the right path.

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)

Throughout the Word of God, we are given clear instructions to help those in need, to serve God by serving others, to give everything we can in service to God. More than anything else, the Bible is the tool we should depend on to bring all believers together in the common goal to serve God by loving one another.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

All scripture references are linked to Bible Gateway so that you can read each verse in context. Bible Gateway allows you to change the verse to your favorite translation and compare it side-by-side with multiple translations. In addition, you can select to hear an audio version of any verse by clicking on the speaker icon. Keep the Bible Gateway App on your phone so that you can visit the Word of God at any time during your day.