Unity

Ephesians 4:15-16 NLT

“Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.”

A sign of maturity in a Christian is the ability to speak the truth in love, not condescending, and not with malice. It is the ability to say what is right with the right attitude. We as Christians are all members of one another to form the body of Christ. Each person, equipped with their spiritual gift, should participate in the “work of the Lord” to build up the whole body of Christ, and we can’t do that if we are tearing people down with our words. 

When believers serve one another, each part contributes its share, leading to the overall growth and maturity of the body of Christ as a whole. This process is a lifetime journey toward becoming spiritually mature and reflecting the image of Christ. We were not called to live independently but codependent with one another and fully dependent on Jesus. Jesus provides the spiritual nourishment that enables the body to grow and develop as a unified whole. 

Prayer:

Lord, teach us to love with our words and attitudes. Teach us that when we have animosity with others we are not building up the body of Christ but tearing it down. Bring us together in love and faithfulness to build up Your body of believers. Then we will be strong, courageous, and have the ability to bring the world to You. In Your name Lord Jesus, Amen!