“GROUNDS FOR UNITY”

8 “For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me.” 

John 17:8

Looking past our differences as Christians will be much easier when we focus on what we have in common. What are they?

John chapter 17 is a heartfelt prayer known as Jesus’ “High Priestly Prayer.” After delivering His Farewell Discourse, Jesus now prays for Himself, the disciples, and future believers. This moment is also the start of Jesus’ “time.”

In yesterday's blog, we learned that just as God the Father and the Son work in perfect harmony, we should do the same as a church. Unity starts when we focus on our collective convictions rather than our differences. 

Critics say Christians can’t unite, pointing to different denominations, worship styles, and varying views on some matters. But do these dissimilarities prove that we are not unified?

Contrary to this idea, the Bible says that God’s people can unite. In fact, to strive for unity is a biblical mandate.

“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” 

Philippians 2:1-2 

Paul gives us four grounds for unity:

1. Being of the same mind - this literally translates, "to be thinking the same thing." It refers to a shared mission: proclaiming the Gospel and making God's love tangible for nonbelievers.

2. Having the same love - this is a mutual, self-sacrificing love for one another that mirrors the love of Christ.

3. Being in full accord - this means "united in spirit," emphasizing an inner, spiritual harmony among believers.

4. Of one mind - this highlights a singular focus on Christ and the Gospel, leaving no room for division.

With these things in mind, Christians have strong reasons to unite. We share the same source of encouragement: Jesus Christ, our common Lord and Savior. Regardless of denomination, Christ walks with us through life's challenges and comforts us. He is the same God who loves us and died on the Cross for us.

Moreover, the Holy Spirit indwells us. He is the same Spirit who transforms us from the inside out and makes us more like Jesus every day. 

Now, since we are encouraged and loved by the same Christ and empowered by the same Spirit, can we look past our differences and celebrate our shared experiences instead? We sure can. If we try to focus less on ourselves and more on one another. When we do,  sharing the same mind, the same love, and unity gets a little less hard.

What practical step can you take this week to pursue deeper spiritual harmony with other believers, family, or friends?

Pursue the Savior today!

Photo by Jacob Creutz on Unsplash