The Bond of Perfect Unity

The Unity of the Lord’s Church

The Bond of Perfect Unity

Colossians 3:14

"And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."

Starting Prayer

Dear Lord, I seek Your guidance as I reflect on the theme of unity within Your church. Help me to understand the importance of love as the bond of perfect unity among believers. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Background

Colossians 3 encourages believers to set their minds on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. The chapter emphasises living in Christ-like virtues, such as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. The selected verse, Colossians 3:14, highlights the central role of love in binding everything together in perfect harmony, reflecting the unity of believers in Christ.

Be Encouraged

Love serves as the glue that holds the body of Christ together in perfect unity. Just as a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, the unity of the church is dependent on the love that believers have for one another. When we clothe ourselves with love, we demonstrate Christ's selfless love to the world and create an environment where unity thrives. Love compels us to forgive, reconcile, and serve one another, fostering a spirit of harmony within the church.

Furthermore, the apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:3 that we are to be "eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Unity does not mean uniformity; rather, it involves diverse individuals coming together in love, humility, and mutual respect, united in their devotion to Christ. As members of the body of Christ, we are called to pursue peace and strive for unity, bearing with one another in love.

Additional Verses

- 1 Corinthians 13:13: "So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love."

- Ephesians 4:2: "With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love."

Let us, therefore, be intentional about cultivating love within the body of Christ, recognising its pivotal role in maintaining unity. 

Concluding Prayer

Lord, thank You for the reminder of the importance of love in maintaining unity within Your church. Help me to clothe myself with love and to contribute to the harmony of the body of Christ. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

May the Lord bless your day.

Theodore J. Quist

Evangelist

Church of Christ

Abokobi - Accra

Ghana

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