Colossians 2:2-3, 3:12-15
My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Devotion
We are called to be one body, despite our differences (i.e. politics, social issues, sports, etc.). Disunity was just as much an issue in the early church as it is today. We saw this in the church at Corinth where there was jealousy and dissension in the fellowship. They were dividing themselves into factions by which church leader they followed. This is why one third of the “one another” commands found in scripture deal with unity of the church. How is unity possible when the body of Christ is so diverse?
In Colossians, Paul reveals the secret to having unity in the midst of diversity. The key to biblical unity is love. When a group of people are committed to love or value others despite their differences, unity is possible. You can not have biblical unity without a strong commitment to love. Therefore, Jesus emphasized love when asked what the greatest commandment was. Jesus responded, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Jesus summarized the Ten Commandments into two simple commands: Love God and love others! Without this commitment to love God and love others there can be no unity in the body of Christ. All the attributes that Paul mentions in Colossians are “bound together in perfect unity” because of love. Where there is no love there will be no unity.
Questions to Ponder
What does love have to do with unity? Are you thankful? Are you experiencing the peace of God that transcends all understanding? Have you truly experienced God’s love? How does your love for Jesus show?
Spend some time in prayer meditating on what God revealed to you today.