Cultivating Unity // Love
“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.””
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”
Love is our greatest mandate; to love God first and our neighbors as ourselves are the greatest commandments. In fact, Matthew 22 says that the law hinges on this very mandate.
When we commit to love others--to show them brotherly affection--we are doing one of the most important things we can be doing on this earth. It’s not an afterthought or something meant only for those closest to us; love is your highest calling.
In fact, Romans says you should outdo one another in showing kindness. Imagine if everyone aimed to go above and beyond in loving each other. Imagine how transformed the body of Christ would be if this one principle was implemented.
Make it a point to show love to your spouse, your family, your coworkers, your friends, and the people you come in contact with at church. If you can do this--if you can be a carrier of God’s love--then you’ll be a catalyst for unity.
Unity is incredibly desired by God, for His people. He longs to see His children live out humility, gentleness, patience, and love among each other and in a broken world. Begin to take steps in growing in these areas and living them out, and you’ll certainly honor Him.
Seek unity in your relationships, among other believers, and in your church, and watch as they flourish in ways you’ve never witnessed before. Unity is very important, so be a carrier of it today. Bring unity into your world!
